being walked at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being walked at" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where someone is describing being approached or walked towards by another person or animal, but it is not commonly used. Example: "I felt uneasy when I noticed the dog being walked at by its owner, as it seemed agitated."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The dog was being walked at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla when it dashed onto the pond's thin ice and fell through.

The New York Times

This photo shows dogs being walked at the Best Friends sanctuary in a gorgeous part of Utah.

Huffington Post

After the coffee, as we walked around the Mission District, they scoffed at the turf field at Garfield Park and the lapdog being walked at Precita Park.

Vice

After the coffee, as we walked around the Mission District, they scoffed at the turf field at Garfield Park and the purse dog being walked at Precita Park.

Vice

Concurrent measurements of dog walking in parents as well as children would elucidate whether children do not walk with the dog because the dog is not being walked at all, or because another family member is walking the dog without the children, and the influence that parental involvement in dog walking can have on child physical activity.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

On Mondays and Fridays, the miniature goats can be walked at no extra charge.

Los Angeles Times

Data were analysed at the level of the dog, for the binary outcome of walking frequency - dog is walked at least once or more per day – referred to as 'daily dog walking'.

BMC Veterinary Research

Primary outcome questions were "walking at work", "walking for transportation", "walking for leisure" and "walking stairs" as well as sedentary time during working and non-working day.

BMC Public Health

As for Peter, he's walking, at least.

Independent

The family had been walking at South Fistral beach in Newquay.

The Guardian

"Bob, Dolores, and I were walking at night.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "being approached by" or "being walked towards by" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being walked at" in formal contexts. It can sound awkward and less professional. Instead, opt for more precise phrasing like "being directed towards" or "being escorted to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being walked at" functions as a passive construction describing the action of someone or something being approached by another through walking. While grammatically sound, Ludwig notes it's not a standard or commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being walked at" is a grammatically acceptable but uncommon passive construction used to describe something or someone being approached by someone walking. While found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it's advisable to use alternatives like "being approached by" or "being walked towards by" for clarity. Ludwig AI points out that it is not a standard phrase, making it potentially confusing for readers. When writing, consider the context and opt for more precise and common phrasing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being walked toward by

A more direct and explicit rephrasing that emphasizes the direction of the walking action.

being approached by

Emphasizes the action of nearing someone or something, focusing on the approach.

being directed towards

Highlights the act of pointing or guiding in a specific direction, applicable to people or objects.

being moved toward

Focuses on the passive movement towards a certain point or location.

being advanced upon

Implies a forward movement, often suggesting a challenge or confrontation.

being headed for

Indicates a trajectory or intended destination, suggesting a course of action.

being marched upon

Conveys a sense of purpose or determination, often associated with a group or organized body.

being paraded around

Suggests a display or show, where something is walked around ostentatiously.

being ambled to

Implies a leisurely or unhurried walk in the direction of something.

being strolled towards

Similar to ambling, but focuses on a relaxed and casual walk in a specific direction.

FAQs

What does "being walked at" mean?

The phrase "being walked at" suggests someone or something is in the path of another person/animal walking towards it, which could be interpreted as aggressive or simply directional depending on context. However, the phrasing is not standard and can cause confusion.

What can I say instead of "being walked at"?

You can use alternatives like "being approached by", "being walked toward by", or "being directed towards" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "being walked at" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "being walked at" is an unusual phrasing. Ludwig AI indicates it is not a common construction, and more standard alternatives are preferable.

When is it appropriate to use "being walked at"?

It's acceptable when describing the action of walking directly towards something in a literal sense, though even then, alternatives like "being walked toward by" may provide clearer meaning. Consider context carefully.