being followed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being followed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of ways, depending on context. For example: I had a strange sensation that I was being followed as I walked home late at night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are being followed".

The New York Times

We were being followed, constantly.

The New Yorker

("I'm being followed!" he claims).

The New York Times - Books

— I am? — Are we being followed?

The New Yorker

So Mr. Spitzer was being followed?

The New York Times

He thought he was being followed.

The New York Times - Sports

Madeline (Sharon Gless) suspects she's being followed.

The New York Times - Arts

Or was Strauss-Kahn being followed?

The New York Times

Did he know he was being followed?

The New York Times

Nek Muhammad knew he was being followed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am worried [about being followed-up]".

Heart

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being followed" to describe a situation where someone is actively being pursued or monitored, whether physically or digitally. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as demonstrated by its widespread use in news, literature, and everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice, especially when it obscures the actor. While "being followed" is grammatically sound, consider whether specifying who is doing the following would add clarity and impact to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being followed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. This construction is used to describe a state of pursuit or surveillance, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being followed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe a state of pursuit or surveillance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of vulnerability or suspicion, applicable across various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of the passive voice's potential to obscure the actor and consider specifying who is doing the following when clarity is paramount. When you aim to convey the experience of being pursued, monitored, or tracked without one's knowledge, "being followed" is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

followed closely

Highlights the proximity and persistence of the following.

being watched

A more general term for observation, without necessarily implying pursuit.

shadowed

Suggests a discreet and often secretive form of following.

tailed

An informal term for following someone closely.

under surveillance

This alternative suggests a more formal and systematic observation, often by authorities.

kept under observation

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the surveillance.

monitored

Indicates a systematic observation, often for a specific purpose.

tracked

Implies a technical or deliberate method of monitoring someone's movements.

spied on

Implies secret and often malicious observation.

pursued

Focuses on the act of chasing or persistently following someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "being followed" to describe the state of someone or something that is currently being pursued or tracked. For example, "She had the unsettling feeling she was "being followed" on her way home".

What are some alternatives to saying "being followed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "under surveillance", "being watched", or "shadowed". Each of these carries a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to say "being followed by"?

Yes, "being followed by" is grammatically correct and commonly used to specify who or what is doing the following. For example, "The suspect realized he was "being followed by" the police".

What's the difference between "being followed" and "stalked"?

"Being followed" generally indicates a single instance or a short period of pursuit, while "stalked" implies a prolonged and obsessive pattern of following and harassment. Stalking often involves a more sinister or threatening intent.