is being appropriated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being appropriated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is being taken or used, often without permission or in a way that is considered inappropriate. Example: "The cultural symbols of the indigenous community are being appropriated by fashion brands without proper acknowledgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Here, it is the idea of a museum that is being appropriated.

The New York Times

Inevitably, health as a value system and a commodity is being appropriated by a diverse set of players.

Harvard University

It seems hardly surprising that the brilliant is being appropriated alongside the banal, but, in this case, it seems more an odd form of admiration than disrespect.

The Guardian - Arts

To do that, non-deeded public land (the commons) that has been farmed by families for generations is being appropriated and privatised by agribusinesses.

The Guardian

And yet by that standard, much of the hipsterism he sanctions seems pretty mainstream, even if it is being "appropriated" (ironic quotation marks mine again).

The New York Times - Books

(Sony Computer Entertainment America; $50; PlayStation 2; everyone) MAX PAYNE -- More and more often the language of film is being appropriated by games, but no game has ever done it quite as well as the first-person shooter Max Payne.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Gay icons from Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp to Joan Crawford are being appropriated.

The New York Times - Style

Jennifer Smith of Avenue C said the clash symbolized the frustration and anger felt by many in the area, who think open spaces are being appropriated unfairly.

The New York Times

On several occasions, Mr. Held has confirmed his suspicions that his e-mail address and other personal information are being appropriated by third parties without his permission.

The New York Times - Tech

A lot of what goes on Pinterest that's a violation of copyright is probably OK in the eyes of many whose images are being appropriated.

MIT Technology Review

It's about individual ownership of things and that doesn't normally fit with the culture that's being appropriated.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural appropriation, be specific about what aspects of the culture are being taken and by whom. This adds clarity and avoids generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "appropriated" vaguely. Instead of just stating that something "is being appropriated", explain the implications and potential harm or benefits of this action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being appropriated" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase. It describes an ongoing action where something is currently in the process of being taken or used, often without permission or proper acknowledgment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being appropriated" describes an ongoing action of something being taken or used, usually without permission or due acknowledgment. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and suitable for use. It's most frequently found in news and media and academic contexts, signaling concerns about cultural elements, resources, or ideas being taken inappropriately. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and clearly communicate the implications of the appropriation. While related phrases like "is being co-opted" or "is being misused" exist, "is being appropriated" carries a particular weight, often highlighting ethical or moral concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being expropriated

Emphasizes the forceful or governmental taking of something, often property.

is being co-opted

Highlights the adoption of something for a different or unintended purpose.

is being misused

Focuses on the improper or unintended use of something.

is being adopted

Indicates a more general taking or adoption, without necessarily implying negativity.

is being assumed

Suggests that something is being taken for granted or presumed.

is being commandeered

Implies a forceful or urgent taking of something for immediate use.

is being requisitioned

Highlights the official or formal taking of something for public use.

is being hijacked

Emphasizes an unauthorized and often malicious taking of something.

is being pilfered

Suggests the secretive or petty theft of something.

is being converted

Focuses on the transformation or alteration of something for a new use.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "is being appropriated"?

It means something is being taken or used, often without permission or in a way that is considered inappropriate. This can apply to cultural elements, resources, or even ideas.

What are some alternatives to saying "is being appropriated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is being misused", "is being co-opted", or "is being expropriated".

How can I use "is being appropriated" in a sentence?

For example, "The traditional music of the region is being appropriated by advertisers without respecting its cultural significance."

What's the difference between "is being appropriated" and "is being appreciated"?

"Is being appropriated" suggests an unauthorized or disrespectful taking, while "is being appreciated" implies a genuine understanding and respect for something. Appreciation involves acknowledging the origin and value of the thing being admired, whereas appropriation often does not.