are being sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being sent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an ongoing action in the present. For example, "The reports are being sent out to the team members today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What publicity stills are being sent out?

The New York Times

"On the contrary, reinforcements are being sent".

Independent

Print copies are being sent to subscribers.

Stanford University

Already, fresh troops are being sent as advisers to Iraq.

The Economist

And more older people are being sent to prison.

The New York Times - Health

Print copies of the magazine are being sent to subscribers.

Stanford University

We don't know which works are being sent [on loan].

The Guardian

Parents are being sent letters and consent forms.

The Guardian

They believe they are being sent to several states.

The Guardian

Blood samples are being sent to other hospitals.

The Guardian - Tech

Some are being sent to slaughter early to cut losses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being sent", ensure the subject is plural and the context clearly indicates an ongoing or repeated action.

Common error

Avoid using "are being sent" with a singular subject; use "is being sent" instead. For example, instead of "The letter are being sent", write "The letter is being sent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being sent" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being sent. Ludwig shows that it is used to describe an action that is currently in progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being sent" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive verb construction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly used to describe actions happening in the present. With diverse applications across News & Media, Academia, and Science, it maintains a neutral tone. For example, "Letters are being sent out detailing these, and they will come into effect from 3 July". When using "are being sent", remember to match it with plural subjects and ensure your tense is consistent. Always avoid using "are being sent" with a singular subject; use "is being sent" instead. The diversity of usage and reliable sourcing underscore its correctness and applicability in a wide array of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being dispatched

Emphasizes the official sending of something, often implying a specific purpose or destination.

are being transmitted

Suggests the sending of information or signals, often in a technical or abstract context.

are being forwarded

Implies the redirection of something already in transit, suggesting a secondary sending.

are being shipped

Refers specifically to the sending of physical goods or cargo.

are being directed

Indicates the sending of someone or something towards a specific location or purpose.

are being routed

Suggests a planned or designated path for sending something.

are being conveyed

Implies the act of communicating or transferring something, whether physical or abstract.

are in transit

Focuses on the state of being sent, rather than the action of sending itself.

are en route

Similar to "are in transit", emphasizing the progress of something being sent towards a destination.

are under way

Suggests that the process of sending has begun and is ongoing.

FAQs

How do I use "are being sent" in a sentence?

Use "are being sent" to describe a plural subject undergoing the action of being dispatched or transmitted. For example, "The packages are being sent today".

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

You can use alternatives like "are being dispatched", "are being transmitted", or "are being forwarded" depending on the context.

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

"Are being sent" is used with plural subjects, while "is being sent" is used with singular subjects. The correct choice depends on the subject of your sentence.

What's the difference between "are being sent" and "were being sent"?

"Are being sent" indicates a present, ongoing action, while "were being sent" indicates an ongoing action in the past.