are being restrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being restrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a situation where someone or something is currently being held back or limited in some way. Example: "The protesters are being restrained by the police to maintain order during the demonstration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sixty percent of the bonus for a local manager depends on quality factors, like whether regulators find fault with care during their yearly reviews and how many residents are being restrained or heavily medicated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I felt I was being restrained.

The New York Times - Sports

Pay, gradually, does seem to be being restrained.

The Economist

So it is good that Boris is being restrained in his council tax demands.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The argument that transformation is being restrained by not making hard choices now is inescapable".

The New York Times

He was being restrained after refusing to clean a sandwich toaster at Rainsbrook secure training centre.

The Guardian

It is easy to imagine one of the nice guys of football was being restrained.

The Guardian - Sport

Rypien punched Staubitz while he was being restrained and then grabbed Engquist as he headed to the locker room.

The New York Times - Sports

There is rage, despair, confusion – Theo scribbles over his own books, and dies as he is being restrained en route to a psychiatric hospital.

Independent

For one, it seems to be predicated upon almost a paranoia that abortion rights, the abortion license, is being restrained or set back.

The New York Times

One Home Office official was not made aware of the fact that the man was being restrained until two days before his death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being restrained", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is applying the restraint and the reason behind it. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are being restrained" when the intended meaning is simply 'being influenced' or 'being guided'. Restraint implies a more forceful or direct limitation, so choose a more appropriate term if the situation involves suggestion rather than active control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being restrained" functions as a passive present continuous verb phrase. It describes an action that is currently happening to the subject, indicating that they are actively undergoing a process of being limited or controlled. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being restrained" functions as a passive present continuous verb phrase indicating an ongoing limitation or control. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific discussions. Alternatives include "are being held back" or "are being controlled", depending on the specific nuance intended. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly indicate who or what is applying the restraint to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being held back

This alternative focuses on the action of delaying or impeding progress, differing from physical restraint.

are being restricted

This points to a limitation on freedom or access.

are being controlled

This suggests a broader sense of influence or command, not necessarily physical restriction.

are being suppressed

This implies an active effort to prevent expression or activity, often with negative connotations.

are being contained

This focuses on keeping something within specific boundaries or limits.

are under control

This indicates a state where something is managed and stable, differing from an active restraining force.

are being curbed

This suggests a reduction in excess or undesirable behavior.

are being checked

This focuses on verifying or limiting something to ensure accuracy or safety.

are being impeded

This highlights the difficulty or obstruction in making progress.

are being hampered

This emphasizes the hindrance or disadvantage caused by some factor.

FAQs

How can I use "are being restrained" in a sentence?

You can use "are being restrained" to describe a situation where someone or something is currently being held back or limited, as in "The protesters "are being restrained" by the police".

What can I say instead of "are being restrained"?

Alternatives to "are being restrained" include phrases like "are being held back", "are being controlled", or "are being restricted", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are being restrained" or "are restrained"?

"Are being restrained" implies an ongoing action, while "are restrained" suggests a completed state. For example, "The suspect is being restrained" (currently happening) vs. "The suspect is restrained" (already tied up).

What's the difference between "are being restrained" and "are being suppressed"?

"Are being restrained" implies a limitation on movement or action, while "are being suppressed" suggests an active effort to prevent expression or activity. The former can be physical, the latter is often ideological or emotional.