being operated on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being operated on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical contexts to describe a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. Example: "The patient is currently being operated on for a complex heart surgery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Medical

News

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But she's rarely if ever the one being operated on.

The New York Times - Arts

λ for the signal which is being operated on V = 16 is one.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

She was in a serious condition after being operated on.

Independent

You can also watch dolls being "operated" on.

The Guardian - Travel

But the reality is that people are being operated on".

The New York Times

He is seriously injured and is being operated on", Niklas Claesson, hospital spokesman, said.

Independent

The father lay there, thinking about his daughter being operated on.

The New Yorker

He wound up being operated on by a private surgeon in New York City.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's as if a surgeon learned to do surgery by being operated on.

The New Yorker

All five were being operated on at the Poly Clinic hospital.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Three more people were in a bad state and being operated on, he added.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For increased clarity, specify which part of the body is "being operated on". For example, "His leg is being operated on" provides more context than just "He is being operated on".

Common error

Ensure it's clear who or what is "being operated on". Avoid vague references; always name the patient or subject to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being operated on" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of a surgical action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being operated on" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe someone undergoing surgery. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence in medical and news reporting. While alternatives like "undergoing surgery" and "receiving surgery" exist, "being operated on" effectively conveys the immediate state of a surgical procedure. It's crucial to specify who or what is "being operated on" for clarity. This phrase is frequently found in news, scientific and academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergoing surgery

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct action, focusing on the patient's experience.

receiving surgery

Similar to undergoing surgery, but emphasizes the act of receiving medical care.

in surgery

A shortened way of saying someone is currently undergoing a surgical procedure.

having an operation

A more common and less formal way to express the same idea.

being treated surgically

Highlights the surgical aspect of the treatment being received.

experiencing surgical intervention

A more formal and clinical way of saying someone is having surgery.

subjected to surgery

Implies a more forceful or unavoidable situation regarding the surgery.

undergoing a procedure

Broader term encompassing any medical procedure, not just surgery.

receiving treatment

Even broader term, covering any form of medical treatment, including surgery.

on the operating table

Focuses on the physical location and immediate action of surgery.

FAQs

What does "being operated on" mean?

The phrase "being operated on" refers to the act of undergoing a surgical procedure. It indicates that someone is currently in the process of having surgery performed on them.

Is it correct to say "being operated on"?

Yes, "being operated on" is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in medical and news contexts. However, simpler alternatives like "undergoing surgery" or "having surgery" can also be used.

What are some alternatives to "being operated on"?

Some alternatives to "being operated on" include "undergoing surgery", "receiving surgery", or "having an operation". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

How do I use "being operated on" in a sentence?

You can use "being operated on" to describe someone who is currently undergoing surgery. For example: "The patient is currently "being operated on" for a heart condition".