is being lowered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being lowered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change that is currently happening. For example: "The temperature is being lowered in anticipation of the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This is being lowered this year to cover students with ABB at A-level.

Independent

"The quality of provision is being lowered – and ministers must take responsibility for this," said Courtney.

The Guardian

Stephen has quite a busy day, arriving at the service just as the coffin is being lowered into the ground.

The New York Times - Arts

The previous forecast was for a 3percentt decline from 2008; it is being lowered to a 12percentt decline.

The New York Times

Take, for example, the permitted blood alcohol level for drivers, which is being lowered from 0.1 to 0.05 (the international norm is 0.08).

The New York Times

To mark the occasion – which comes on the eve of military job cuts – the union flag next to the war memorial in Wootton Bassett high street is being lowered for the final time at sunset on Wednesday.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

So partitions are being lowered or eliminated.

The New York Times

As Mary sees it, standards are being lowered everywhere.

The New York Times - Arts

Rescue boats, presumably, were being lowered and launched, swimmers readied.

The New Yorker

The ceiling of the third-floor gallery was being lowered.

The New Yorker

A veil was being lowered between Myanmar and the rest of the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, ensure that the subject undergoing the change is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "standards are being lowered", specify "educational standards are being lowered."

Common error

While "is being lowered" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider using active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "the flag is being lowered", try "they are lowering the flag".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being lowered" functions as a verb phrase in the passive progressive form. It indicates that an action of reducing or diminishing something is currently in progress. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is being lowered" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in English. Ludwig AI validates this, showcasing its presence across various contexts, predominantly in news and science. This passive progressive verb phrase describes an ongoing reduction process. For impactful writing, consider the context and audience, and be mindful of the subtle differences between this and similar expressions like "is decreasing" or "is being reduced". While grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice should be avoided in favour of active constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being reduced

Passive form emphasizing the action being performed on something.

is decreasing

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in quantity or intensity.

is diminishing

Highlights a fading or lessening effect over time.

is declining

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

is reducing

Focuses on the act of making something smaller or less.

is diminishing

Similar to "is decreasing", but often implies a more subtle or gradual reduction.

is in decline

Highlights the state of something undergoing a reduction.

is trending downward

Indicates a pattern of decreasing values or performance.

is adjusting downward

Suggests a deliberate modification to a lower level.

is scaling back

Implies a reduction in size or scope.

FAQs

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

Use "is being lowered" to describe something that is currently in the process of being reduced or diminished. For example: "The water level in the lake is being lowered to repair the dam."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is being lowered"?

You can use alternatives like "is decreasing", "is being reduced", or "is declining" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "is being lowered"?

While "is being lowered" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using active voice can often make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "the price is being lowered", consider "the company is lowering the price".

What's the difference between "is being lowered" and "has been lowered"?

"Is being lowered" describes an ongoing process, while "has been lowered" indicates that the action is complete. For instance, "the water level is being lowered" means the process is in progress, whereas "the water level has been lowered" means the process is finished.