being contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrasal verb "being contained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is restrained, controlled, or kept in a confined space. For example, "The prisoners were kept in the jail, being contained by the thick walls of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the blaze was close to being contained.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Hussein is basically being contained, the argument goes.

The New York Times

The company's management says its losses are being contained.

The New York Times

The Scottish health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, said that authorities believed the virus was still being contained.

The Guardian

"The decline is being contained," said Ulysses Yannas, an analyst at Buckman, Buckman & Reid.

The New York Times

Why she writes in the closet: There's something about the space being contained that's very appealing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Petrobras said that the P-7 spill was being contained and that there were no injuries.

The New York Times

As recent events show, neither Islamic State nor refugees are being contained within the region.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the morning I was back to being contained, calm, in control, unflappable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The island is now a bottleneck in Europe's unresolved migrant crisis in which human misery is being contained and forgotten.

The New Yorker

"If this leads to a modicum of security for Israel, it will be defined as Arafat being contained".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being contained" to describe situations where something is actively kept within boundaries, whether physical or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "being contained" in excessively passive constructions. Ensure the sentence retains clarity and avoids ambiguity regarding who or what is doing the containing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being contained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is undergoing the action of containment. It typically describes a state of restriction or control, as seen in Ludwig's examples regarding containing fires or viruses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being contained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating that something is under control or restricted within specific boundaries. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts. Its usage spans across news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, writers should ensure that its use in passive constructions does not compromise sentence clarity. Alternatives like "being restricted" or "being controlled" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being confined

Stresses the physical restriction to a specific space or area.

being restricted

Focuses on the limitation or constraint imposed on something.

being controlled

Emphasizes the act of maintaining power or influence over something.

being encompassed by

Specifies the entity that surrounds or includes the subject.

being limited

Highlights the finite nature or extent of something.

being surrounded by

Emphasizes the act of being encircled by something.

being encompassed

Suggests being completely surrounded or included within something else.

being enveloped

Implies being completely covered or enclosed.

being held

Implies a temporary state of retention or possession.

being incorporated

Focuses on the act of integrating something into a larger whole.

FAQs

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

Use "being contained" to describe something that is restrained or kept within limits, as in "The spread of the virus is "being contained" by the quarantine measures".

What are some alternatives to "being contained"?

Alternatives include "being restricted", "being controlled", or "being confined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "being contained"?

Yes, "being contained" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a present participle passive form used to describe an ongoing action of containment.

What is the difference between "being contained" and "being encompassed"?

"Being contained" implies restraint within limits, while "being encompassed" suggests being completely surrounded or included within something else. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize limitation or inclusion.