being blocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being blocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is unable to proceed or is hindered in some way, often in the context of communication or access. Example: "I tried to access the website, but I kept being blocked by the firewall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now the corner is being blocked.

The New York Times

His shot was being blocked.

The New York Times - Sports

Being blocked would damage small labels in particular.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whole areas of Prague are being blocked off.

The New York Times

Doctors concluded his airways were being blocked intermittently – but why?

The Guardian

But we often don't know what is being blocked.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The sidewalks were blocked.

The New Yorker

YouTube was blocked.

The New Yorker

Now they were blocked.

The Economist

A couple were blocked.

The New York Times - Sports

But that path is blocked.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being blocked", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being blocked and by what or whom. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "being blocked" when an active voice would be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The website is being blocked by the firewall", consider "The firewall blocks the website".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being blocked" functions primarily as a passive gerund phrase. It describes an action in progress where the subject is receiving the action, as seen in Ludwig examples like "Cargo on the Trans-Siberian railway is again being blocked" and "YouTube is being blocked in its entirety over single pieces of content".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being blocked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily functioning as a passive gerund phrase. It effectively communicates the state of obstruction or prevention in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, consider using active voice constructions for more direct writing. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage across different registers, solidifying its place as a valuable phrase in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being obstructed

Similar, but uses a more formal tone.

being hindered

Focuses on the action of hindering or impeding progress.

being prevented

Emphasizes the act of stopping something from happening.

getting obstructed

This alternative focuses on the act of obstruction happening to something or someone.

getting impeded

Emphasizes the slowing down or hindering of progress.

getting hampered

Highlights the difficulty or burden caused by the obstruction.

experiencing obstruction

Focuses on the experience of encountering an obstacle.

facing impediment

Highlights the presence of a barrier or obstacle.

encountering a roadblock

Uses a metaphor to describe the obstruction.

meeting resistance

Suggests opposition or pushback.

FAQs

How can I use "being blocked" in a sentence?

You can use "being blocked" to describe something that is obstructed or prevented. For example, "The shipment is "being blocked" at customs", or "My attempts to contact him are "being blocked" by his assistant".

What are some alternatives to "being blocked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "being obstructed", "being hindered", or "being prevented".

Is it better to use "being blocked" or a more active construction?

While "being blocked" is grammatically correct, using an active construction can often make your writing more direct. For instance, instead of "The bill is "being blocked" by the senate", you could say "The senate blocks the bill".

What's the difference between "being blocked" and "being prevented"?

"Being blocked" implies an obstruction or barrier, while "being prevented" suggests a more proactive action to stop something from happening. The phrase "being prevented" often emphasizes the deliberate act of stopping something.