are being used

USAGE SUMMARY

"are being used" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is happening in the present. Example: "These techniques are being used to improve performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Heavy weapons are being used.

Independent

The Taliban are being used?

The Guardian

What fluors are being used?

Princeton University

"All the ships are being used today.

The New York Times

In fact, they are being used.

The New York Times

Our children are being used as pawns.

The New York Times

–What skills or senses are being used?

The New York Times

A third of them are being used.

Columbia University

Our roads are being used up.

Stanford University

Already, Verichips are being used abroad.

MIT Technology Review

Both techniques are being used by schoolchildren.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in the passive voice, ensure that the subject receiving the action is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Mistakes are being made", specify "Mistakes are being made by the team."

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the passive voice when active voice would be clearer and more direct. Over-reliance on passive constructions like "are being used" can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being used" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It indicates that a subject is currently undergoing an action performed by an unspecified or less important agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are being used" is a versatile phrase denoting an ongoing passive action, widely employed across diverse contexts, from academic research to news reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While frequently found in authoritative sources such as the New York Times and The Guardian, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider whether active voice might offer greater clarity. Understanding its function and communicative purpose allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in use

Focuses on the state of being currently active or employed.

are getting used

Highlights the process of becoming employed or accustomed.

are being implemented

Specifies that something is being put into effect or practice.

are being applied

Emphasizes the act of putting something to a specific purpose or task.

are now used

Highlights the current usage of something, implying a change from the past.

are currently employed

More formal way of stating something is presently in use.

are actively utilized

Emphasizes the active and deliberate use of something.

are being consumed

Focuses on how resources are depleted or exhausted.

are subjected to

Emphasizes that something is undergoing a process.

have been tapped

Focuses on how resources have been exploited for their capacity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are being used" indicates a present continuous passive action. For example, "New technologies "are being used" to improve efficiency" shows ongoing implementation.

What are some alternatives to "are being used"?

Alternatives include "are in use", "are getting used", or "are being implemented", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are being used"?

While "are being used" is grammatically correct, consider whether the active voice might be more direct. For instance, instead of "Resources "are being used" by the company", you could say "The company is using resources".

What's the difference between "are used" and "are being used"?

"Are used" describes a general or habitual action, while "are being used" describes an action happening now. For example, "These tools "are used" daily" versus "These tools "are being used" for this specific project".