being shaken around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being shaken around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone is being moved or disturbed in a chaotic or unsteady manner. Example: "The passengers were feeling uneasy as the bus was being shaken around on the bumpy road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The 2011 quake also had a tremendous amount of high-frequency energy, including very strong vertical ground motions that felt "like you're being picked up by a giant and being shaken around," Quigley said.

Los Angeles Times

Footage from inside the Soyuz showed the two men being shaken around at the moment the failure occurred, with their arms and legs flailing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Rather, Rew had been shaken around four that morning, when he was in Park's care.

The New Yorker

But that was shaken around 2010 when the Swiss government agreed to work with other countries on investigating possible tax evasion cases.

The New York Times

Now that ain't easy to read, and a lot of those drawers appear to have been shaken around.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

"Now I'm shaking around chest height.

The New York Times - Food

In what the World Economic Forum dubs the 'fourth industrial revolution,' traditional roles and industries are being shaken up around the globe, from San Francisco to Singapore.

Huffington Post

A WEEK after France was shaken by terrorist shootings in and around Toulouse, candidates for the country's presidential election have gone back to the stump.

The Economist

Markets around the world were shaken on Friday after the speaker of the House not only screwed the pooch in the fiscal-cliff standoff, but also married the pooch on top of a mountain, with flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs.

Huffington Post

This culture was shaken reciprocally at 28 °C for about 72 h to an optical density (OD600) of around 6.3.

Chemistry - A European Journal

Colorado is something of a microcosm of how voting patterns are shaking out around the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being shaken around" to convey a sense of forceful or chaotic movement, particularly when describing physical experiences or events that cause disruption and instability.

Common error

Avoid using "being shaken around" when describing purely abstract concepts that cannot be physically moved. Instead of saying "the theory was being shaken around", consider using "the theory was being challenged" or "debated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being shaken around" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of being shaken, suggesting a lack of control or agency. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its use in describing experiences like earthquakes or chaotic situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being shaken around" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase that effectively conveys a sense of forceful or chaotic movement. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for general use, although is more prevalent in News & Media. While the phrase is valid, considering alternatives like "being jostled about" or "being tossed around" can provide nuance. Be mindful to avoid using it in abstract settings, and always check the context before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being jostled about

This suggests a gentler, more incidental form of disturbance, often in a crowd.

being tossed around

Implies a more forceful and uncontrolled movement, like being thrown by waves.

experiencing turbulence

Specifically refers to unsteady motion, often in the context of air travel or chaotic situations.

being buffeted about

Suggests being repeatedly struck or pushed by external forces.

being agitated

Focuses on the emotional or physical state of being disturbed, rather than the physical action.

being discombobulated

Emphasizes the confusion and disorientation resulting from a sudden shock or disturbance.

being unsettled

Indicates a state of unease and instability, either physically or emotionally.

being disrupted

Highlights the interruption of a normal state or process.

being disturbed

A general term for being interrupted or bothered, which can be physical or emotional.

undergoing upheaval

Refers to a significant and disruptive change, often on a large scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "being shaken around" to describe a physical sensation, like "During the earthquake, the house felt like it was "being shaken around"", or a chaotic event, such as "The company was "being shaken around" by the new regulations".

What's a more formal alternative to "being shaken around"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "being subjected to intense motion" or "experiencing considerable disruption", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "being shaken around"?

Yes, "being shaken around" is grammatically correct as a passive construction of the verb "shake around". It correctly conveys that something or someone is receiving the action of shaking.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "being shaken around"?

Avoid using it when describing abstract concepts that cannot be physically moved. In such cases, opt for terms like "challenged", "reconsidered", or "disrupted".