goings on

USAGE SUMMARY

"goings on" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, it is used to refer to something that is happening or taking place. For example, "I'm not sure what's been going on at the office lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Such goings on!

The New York Times

Describes the goings on.

The New Yorker

Describes the mad goings on.

The New Yorker

Such unlikely goings on invite mockery.

The New Yorker

Goings on, on a first night.

The New Yorker

Afterwards, some have reported strange goings on.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Francis observes these goings-on darkly.

The New York Times - Books

Mariadora is upset at such goings-on.

The New York Times

Some goings-on simply make no sense.

The New York Times

There are bloody battles, supernatural goings-on and special effects.

The New York Times - Arts

(Some 2.7 million viewers watched the goings-on).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goings on" when you want to refer to a series of events or activities, especially when those activities are somewhat secretive or questionable. For instance, "The neighbors were suspicious of the goings on at the abandoned house."

Common error

While "goings on" is generally acceptable, it may sound slightly informal or old-fashioned in very formal writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "events" or "proceedings" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goings on" functions as a noun, referring to a series of activities or events. It is typically used to describe something that is happening, as supported by Ludwig's analysis of common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goings on" is a noun phrase used to describe a series of activities or events, often implying something intriguing or questionable. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable, although it might lean towards a slightly informal register. While "very common" synonyms like "events", "happenings" and "activities" can serve as replacements, "goings on" carries a unique connotation that makes it valuable in specific contexts, particularly in news and media. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happenings

This is a direct synonym, simply replacing "goings" with "happenings".

activities

Focuses on the actions taking place, rather than the overall situation.

events

Emphasizes specific occurrences, often planned or significant.

proceedings

Suggests a formal or official series of actions.

developments

Implies a sequence of events unfolding over time.

occurrences

Highlights the fact that something took place, often unexpectedly.

state of affairs

Describes the general conditions or circumstances.

what's happening

A more conversational and direct way of asking about current events.

current situation

Focuses on the present circumstances and conditions.

undertakings

Implies a project or task being carried out.

FAQs

How can I use "goings on" in a sentence?

You can use "goings on" to refer to activities or events that are happening. For example, "The police are investigating the suspicious "happenings" at the warehouse" or "I'm not sure about all the "activities", but something strange is definitely going on."

What is a synonym for "goings on"?

Some synonyms for "goings on" include "happenings", "events", "activities", or "proceedings", depending on the context.

Is "goings on" a formal or informal phrase?

"Goings on" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While acceptable in many contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like ""events"" or ""proceedings"" in highly formal writing.

What does "goings on" mean?

"Goings on" refers to activities or "happenings", often of a questionable or secretive nature. It's used to describe a series of events or actions taking place.