being moved around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being moved around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something or someone being relocated or repositioned, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The furniture in the living room is constantly being moved around to create a more spacious feel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was being moved around".

The Guardian

People were being moved around from section to section.

The New Yorker

"It is hard for them, seeing their furniture being moved around".

The New Yorker

It's hard to know whether children are better off under these "reforms" or they're just being moved around more.

The New York Times

What poor women also need, Ms Murphy says, is "the ability to live and survive without constantly being moved around".

Independent

"There are big blocks of high-amp power being moved around in a hybrid, the equivalent of horsepower," he said.

The New York Times

The program started being moved around on the schedule; people in the industry began to refer to it as "See It Now and Then".

The New Yorker

Dianuris Ortiz After her mother's death, Dianuris Ortiz experienced turbulent living situations before being moved around in the foster care system at 15.

The New York Times

Instead of having their jobs cut, hundreds of school aides, secretaries, paraprofessionals and assistant principals are being moved around to fill vacancies, officials said.

The New York Times

"If you are usually in a wheelchair, restricted, being moved around by other people, it is liberating to move freely and have some physical autonomy".

The Guardian

This was a production that would reveal its innermost workings: all the lights were up, scenery was being moved around by stagehands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being moved around", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Is it a physical relocation, a change in schedule, or a more figurative manipulation? Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice with "being moved around" as it can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Consider active alternatives when appropriate for a stronger and more concise message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being moved around" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It describes an action being performed on a subject, rather than an action the subject is actively performing. Ludwig provides examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being moved around" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the passive experience of relocation or displacement. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news to scientific literature. While it's generally acceptable, careful attention should be paid to the context to ensure the nuance of instability or lack of control is accurately conveyed. When writing, consider whether an active voice alternative might provide a stronger and more direct statement. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" sources and less in "Formal & Business" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being relocated

Focuses on the act of changing the location of something or someone.

being displaced

Emphasizes being forced to leave a place or situation.

being transferred

Highlights a shift from one place or position to another, often within a system.

being shifted around

Implies a series of movements or adjustments, often without a clear direction.

being shuffled around

Suggests a disorganized or haphazard process of relocation.

being repositioned

Emphasizes a strategic or intentional change in position.

being manipulated

Highlights being controlled or influenced to change position or direction.

being carted around

Implies being transported from place to place, often without control.

being transported

Focuses on the act of conveyance from one place to another.

being uprooted

Highlights the act of being removed from one's familiar environment or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "being moved around" in a sentence?

You can use "being moved around" to describe a physical relocation, as in "The furniture is "constantly being moved around"", or a more abstract change, such as "The program kept "being moved around the schedule"".

What are some alternatives to "being moved around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "being relocated", "being transferred", or "being shifted around".

Is it better to say "being moved around" or "relocating"?

It depends on the intended meaning. "Being moved around" often implies a lack of control or a series of changes, while "relocating" suggests a more deliberate and planned action. Consider the nuance you wish to convey.

What does "being moved around" imply?

"Being moved around" can suggest instability, frequent changes, or a lack of control over one's position or situation. It highlights the act of displacement or relocation, often with a negative connotation.