being gobbled up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being gobbled up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is being consumed or taken over, often in a figurative sense, such as resources, attention, or market share. Example: "The small startup was quickly being gobbled up by larger competitors in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The companies were being gobbled up".

The New York Times

Most available credit is being gobbled up by the conglomerates.

The Economist

"We're being gobbled up by the large chains," he said.

The New York Times

"In the current market, everything is being gobbled up".

The New York Times

Street art has a fairly long history of being gobbled up by the establishment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some residents fret about the amount of land being gobbled up by a few wealthy buyers.

The New York Times

The sharp spikes protected them from being gobbled up, researchers reasoned.

The Washington Post

"This stuff is being gobbled up like candy," Mr. Farley said.

The New York Times

The growth is being gobbled up by the super-rich and transnational capital.

The Guardian

The country's vast eastern section is being gobbled up by China through investment and immigration.

The New York Times - Books

Deals are being gobbled up, not with 40- to 50-point jumps after the opening, but at nice premiums.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being gobbled up" to vividly describe rapid consumption, acquisition, or overwhelming circumstances. The phrase can be particularly effective in business, economics, or ecology writing, where competition and resource depletion are central themes.

Common error

While "being gobbled up" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "being acquired" or "being consumed" in such situations to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being gobbled up" functions as a passive phrasal verb. It describes a state where something is acted upon, typically by a larger or more powerful entity. Ludwig AI validates this use cases with several examples across different categories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being gobbled up" is a common passive phrasal verb used to depict rapid consumption, acquisition, or being overwhelmed. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and finds widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informal and should be used judiciously in formal academic writing. Consider alternatives like ""being consumed"" or ""being acquired"" in such instances. The phrase effectively conveys vulnerability and loss of autonomy, adding vividness to descriptions of competitive scenarios or resource depletion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being consumed

Focuses on the act of something disappearing as if by eating.

being devoured

Emphasizes a more aggressive and complete consumption.

being swallowed up

Highlights the idea of something disappearing within something larger.

being absorbed

Indicates a gradual process of something becoming part of something else.

being taken over

Focuses on acquisition and control by another entity.

being overwhelmed

Suggests a situation where something is overpowered by a larger force or quantity.

being engulfed

Implies being completely surrounded and consumed.

being usurped

Highlights a forceful displacement or takeover.

being assimilated

Focuses on the process of integrating into a larger group or system.

being monopolized

Describes a situation where one entity gains exclusive control.

FAQs

How can I use "being gobbled up" in a sentence?

You can use "being gobbled up" to describe something that is rapidly consumed or acquired, such as "The small startup was quickly "being gobbled up" by larger competitors in the industry."

What are some alternatives to "being gobbled up"?

Alternatives to "being gobbled up" include "being consumed", "being devoured", or "being swallowed up", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "being gobbled up" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "being gobbled up" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "being acquired" or "being absorbed" in those cases.

What's the difference between "being gobbled up" and "being consumed"?

"Being gobbled up" suggests a more rapid and sometimes aggressive consumption, while "being consumed" can imply a more gradual or general process of depletion or use.