being held

USAGE SUMMARY

"being held" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an activity that is presently happening. For example: "The annual art show is being held this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nobody is being held accountable".

The New York Times

Services are being held privately.

The New York Times

Where is she being held?

The New York Times - Magazine

(He's being held without bail).

The New Yorker

All three are being held without bail.

The New York Times

They are being held on assault charges.

The New York Times

Dominguez is being held on no bond.

The New York Times

The worlds are being held Aug.

The New York Times - Sports

Statue being held up by a forklift.

The New York Times

Their driver is still being held.

The Economist

No reason given for him being held.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being held" to describe an event, ensure the context clearly indicates the event is currently in progress. For example, "The conference is being held next week."

Common error

Avoid using "being held" when referring to a past event that has already concluded. Instead, use "was held" or "were held" to indicate the event has finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being held" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It signifies that someone or something is currently experiencing the action of being held, detained, or possessed. Ludwig's examples illustrate diverse uses, from individuals in custody to events in progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being held" is a versatile and frequently used construction in the English language. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, scientific and general domains. It serves primarily to describe an ongoing state or action, whether involving physical confinement, accountability, or the occurrence of an event. When using "being held", it's essential to ensure correct tense usage and consider context to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under arrest

Specifically refers to the state of being legally apprehended by law enforcement.

in custody

Focuses specifically on the state of being imprisoned or detained by law enforcement.

in detention

Highlights the condition of being held, often temporarily, in a designated area.

detained

Emphasizes the act of being kept in official custody, often temporarily.

imprisoned

Highlights the state of being confined to a prison as a punishment.

accountable

Shifts the meaning to being responsible or answerable for one's actions.

responsible

Similar to accountable, indicating a duty or obligation.

taking place

Indicates that an event or activity is occurring or happening.

occurring

Similar to taking place, focusing on the happening or existence of something.

taking responsibility

Emphasizes the act of accepting accountability for something.

FAQs

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

Use "being held" to describe an action or event that is currently happening or in progress. For example: "The meeting is being held in the conference room."

What's a synonym for "being held" when referring to an event?

Alternatives include "taking place", "occurring", or "underway", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "being held" or "been held"?

"Being held" describes an ongoing state or action, while "been held" describes a state or action that has occurred at some point in the past. For example, "The suspect is being held" versus "The suspect has been held before."

What's the difference between "being held" and "being retained"?

"Being held" typically refers to physical confinement or the occurrence of an event, whereas "being retained" often indicates maintaining possession or keeping something. You might say "The prisoner is being held" but "The lawyer is being retained".