being set upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being set upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being attacked or confronted aggressively by others. Example: "He felt helpless, being set upon by a group of angry protesters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

An array of headphones let visitors listen to homeless women talking about their fears – of being set upon by drunk men at night, of having their plastic sheets confiscated by the municipal authorities before the monsoons – and their hopes of getting their children educated.

The Guardian

Nobody – bar maybe Charles Bronson – likes being set upon by police.

Vice

Others were being set upon by angry mobs wanting the generators for themselves.

The New York Times

Jewell later likened himself to a bleeding cow being set upon by piranhas.

The Guardian

He began to be "visibly shaken," hallucinated dogs being set upon his family, and grew nearly inarticulate.

The Guardian

He is about five inches taller than Tyson, yet he would have a similar height advantage if he were being set upon by a tiger.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Ali Smith called him a literary and social visionary – but he has also been set upon by critics, his mysticism not being for all palates.

The Guardian - Books

He's set upon by dogs.

The Guardian - Music

As violence spread, a double-decker bus was set upon.

The Guardian

He would be set upon, like Actaeon, and torn apart.

The New Yorker

(Robert McCartney and his friend Brendan Devine were set upon by nine).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being set upon", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is initiating the attack. For example, specify "being set upon by dogs" or "being set upon by protesters" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being set upon" when an active voice construction is more direct and impactful. Instead of "The traveler was being set upon by bandits", consider "Bandits set upon the traveler" for a more vivid description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being set upon" functions as a passive verb phrase, describing the recipient of an action. It indicates that someone or something is the target of an attack or aggressive confrontation. As shown by Ludwig, this construction often appears in news reports and narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being set upon" is a grammatically sound and relatively common passive verb phrase used to describe an attack or aggressive confrontation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples primarily from news and media sources, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure clarity about the aggressor and to consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. Alternative phrases like "being attacked" or "being assaulted" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being attacked

Focuses on the act of aggression without necessarily implying being surrounded or overwhelmed.

being assaulted

Emphasizes a violent physical attack.

being ambushed

Highlights the surprise element of the attack.

being descended upon

Implies a sudden and overwhelming arrival or attack.

being swarmed

Suggests being surrounded by a large number of attackers.

being targeted

Focuses on being the specific object of an attack or negative action.

being besieged

Implies a prolonged and intense attack or period of pressure.

being mobbed

Highlights being surrounded and possibly overwhelmed by a crowd.

being pounced on

Suggests a sudden, leaping attack.

being accosted

Emphasizes being approached aggressively or threateningly.

FAQs

How can I use "being set upon" in a sentence?

The phrase "being set upon" describes a situation where someone is attacked or confronted aggressively. For example: "The Israeli commandos were descending one by one on ropes on to the deck and "being set upon" by peace activists with sticks and poles".

What are some alternatives to saying "being set upon"?

Alternatives include phrases like "being attacked", "being assaulted", or "being ambushed", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "being set upon" formal or informal?

The phrase "being set upon" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more direct language might be preferred in some situations.

What does "being set upon" mean?

It means to be attacked, either physically or verbally. It suggests being suddenly and aggressively confronted, often by multiple assailants or a group.