are being watched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being watched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is currently under observation or surveillance. Example: "In this area, all activities are being watched by security cameras to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are being watched.

The Guardian - Travel

"They are being watched," she said.

The New York Times

Both events are being watched closely.

The Guardian

And, more than ever, companies are being watched.

The Economist

Developments in London are being watched, and reproduced, elsewhere.

Independent

She glances around as if we are being watched.

Independent

And we are being watched very closely from abroad".

Independent

All parties are aware that they are being watched.

The New York Times - Magazine

These steps are being watched closely by Beijing.

The New York Times

Do you ever feel like you are being watched?

The Guardian

Mr. Zucker's moves are being watched closely in the industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being watched", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the watching. Specify the observer to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "are being watched" is grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound vague or weak. Whenever possible, use the active voice to make your sentences more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being watched" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. As Ludwig AI indicates, this implies observation or surveillance by an unspecified agent. This construction is commonly used to emphasize the state of being observed rather than the observer themselves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being watched" is a very common passive voice construction used to indicate that a subject is under observation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is prevalent in News & Media, but also appears in Wiki and Academic contexts. While grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice should be avoided for clearer and more engaging writing. Consider alternatives like "are under surveillance" or "are being monitored" to fine-tune the nuance. Remember to specify the observer for added clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are under surveillance

Emphasizes formal monitoring, often by authorities.

are being monitored

Highlights ongoing tracking and assessment.

are under observation

Suggests scrutiny, often in a scientific or clinical setting.

are being scrutinized

Implies critical and detailed examination.

are being kept under observation

More emphatic version of "are under observation".

are being kept under surveillance

More emphatic version of "are under surveillance".

are being tracked

Focuses on following movement or progress.

are being followed

Implies physical or digital tracking.

are being eyed

Suggests interest or potential action.

are being inspected

Implies a formal check or review.

FAQs

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

You can use "are being watched" to describe something or someone under observation. For example, "The suspect's movements are being watched by the police" or "The experiment's results are being watched closely by scientists".

What are some alternatives to "are being watched"?

Alternatives include "are under surveillance", "are being monitored", or "are under observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "are being watched" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The suspects are being watched", you could say "The police are watching the suspects".

What is the difference between "are being watched" and "are being monitored"?

"Are being watched" generally implies a broader sense of observation, while "are being monitored" often suggests a more systematic and ongoing tracking process, frequently involving technology or specific metrics.