being hunted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being hunted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is actively pursued or chased, often in a threatening or dangerous context. Example: "The deer felt a sense of dread, aware that it was being hunted by a skilled predator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He ends up being hunted.

Independent

"I'm being hunted everywhere".

The New Yorker

A fifth suspect is still being hunted.

Independent

2. place where serdab is being hunted.

Harvard University

Who, in that case, is being hunted?

The New Yorker

People are being hunted, deprived, excluded.

The Guardian - Books

"It mimics being hunted," she says.

The Guardian - Music

Their supporters are being hunted by the local KGB.

The Economist

"You don't let them learn that they're being hunted".

The New Yorker

Now he was being hunted as a fugitive.

The New Yorker

"I feel like I am being hunted," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being hunted" when you want to emphasize the relentless and often unfair nature of the pursuit. It suggests the target is not just chased but actively sought out, potentially with malicious intent.

Common error

Avoid using "being hunted" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The criminal is being hunted by the police", consider "The police are hunting the criminal" if the actor (the police) is more relevant to your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being hunted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of hunting. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, demonstrating its established place in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being hunted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that conveys vulnerability and pursuit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While its register is generally neutral, context dictates the specific formality level. Consider alternatives like "being pursued" or "being chased" for nuanced meanings. Remember to use it when emphasizing the relentlessness or unfairness of the pursuit. Avoid it when an active voice construction would be clearer. Recognized as a common phrase across various authoritative sources, "being hunted" effectively communicates the experience of being actively sought, often with negative or threatening implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being pursued

Focuses on the act of following, often implying a less immediate threat.

being chased

Implies a more active and direct form of pursuit.

being targeted

Highlights the selection of someone for a specific, often negative, purpose.

under attack

Emphasizes the experience of an assault or aggressive action.

in danger

Indicates a state of risk or peril.

at risk

Similar to 'in danger' but can also suggest potential future harm.

in the crosshairs

Suggests being the primary focus of an adversarial force.

on the run

Implies fleeing from pursuers, often due to legal or personal issues.

living in fear

Focuses on the emotional state of constant apprehension.

marked for death

Emphasizes a predetermined and imminent threat of being killed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "being hunted" is used to describe a state of pursuit, often implying danger. For example, "The escaped convict knew he was "being hunted" by the authorities".

What are some alternatives to "being hunted"?

You can use alternatives like "being pursued", "being chased", or "being targeted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "being hunted" or "being pursue"?

"Being hunted" is the correct passive form. "Being pursue" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "being pursued".

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

"Being hunted" generally implies a broader and possibly more official pursuit, while "being stalked" often suggests a more personal and obsessive form of pursuit.