being overtaken

USAGE SUMMARY

"being overtaken" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone or something is passed by another person or thing. For example, "The runner was dismayed to see that he was being overtaken by the person in the lane next to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, however, Japan is steadily being overtaken.

The Economist

Uffie Early adopters risk being overtaken.

The New York Times - Arts

Am I being overtaken by toys?

The New York Times

Because he's being overtaken in Iowa.

The Washington Post

The power-sharing deal is being overtaken by events.

The Economist

"However, that view is being overtaken by events".

Independent

Is the West being overtaken by the rest?

The New Yorker

Try as I might I can't see it being overtaken.

The Guardian - Film

But he said steroids were being overtaken by supplements now.

The New York Times

And they were being overtaken by new technology as well.

The New York Times - Books

We're being overtaken by need on the ground.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being overtaken" to clearly indicate a process of being surpassed, either literally or figuratively. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is doing the overtaking.

Common error

Avoid using "being overtaken" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The company is being overtaken by competitors", consider "Competitors are overtaking the company."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being overtaken" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is experiencing the action of being surpassed or exceeded by something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being overtaken" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes the action of being surpassed or exceeded. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using the phrase, consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct. Remember to use other similar phrases like ""being outstripped"" or "being surpassed" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being surpassed

Focuses on the act of exceeding or outdoing something else.

being superseded

Emphasizes the act of replacing or taking the position of something else.

being outstripped

Highlights the act of exceeding in speed or progress.

being eclipsed

Implies a loss of prominence or importance due to another's rise.

being outdone

Focuses on the act of someone performing better than another.

being left behind

Emphasizes the consequence of not keeping pace.

falling behind

Highlights the action of receding or being less than another.

being exceeded

Focuses on the fact of being greater than other.

being bested

Emphasizes the act of someone winning over another.

being outmaneuvered

Suggests a tactical or strategic advantage leading to being overtaken.

FAQs

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

You can use "being overtaken" to describe a situation where someone or something is surpassed by another. For example, "The runner was tired and started "falling behind", eventually "being passed" or "being overtaken" by other runners."

What's the difference between "being overtaken" and "being surpassed"?

"Being overtaken" often implies a dynamic process of catching up and passing, whereas "being surpassed" simply means exceeding or outdoing something. So, you might say "The smaller company is "being outstripped" or "being overtaken" by its innovative rivals."

What are some common synonyms for "being overtaken"?

Common synonyms include "being exceeded", ""being outstripped"", "being surpassed", and "being eclipsed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "being overtaken" or a more active construction?

While "being overtaken" is grammatically correct, using a more active construction can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of saying "The team is being overtaken by events," you could say "Events are overtaking the team."