is being played

USAGE SUMMARY

"is being played" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is currently in progress. For example, "The game is being played in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"America is being played," he wrote.

The New York Times

What game is being played here?

The Guardian - Books

Somewhere, a football game is being played.

The New York Times

He's so aware of how the game is being played.

The New York Times

"Some kind of fantasy is being played out".

The New York Times

You don't really know where the game is being played.

The New Yorker

Firstly, Kyle is being played by a real transgender actor.

Independent

"Winnetou is being played by Erol Sander," she said.

The New Yorker

A game is being played between author and reader.

Independent

"I feel like the public is being played," he said.

The New York Times

I imagine Scott knows when he is being played.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is being played" to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action or event. It is particularly effective when you want to draw attention to the process rather than just the result.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is performing the action. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing vague and less engaging. If possible, specify the actor to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being played" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating an action that is currently in progress. It emphasizes that something is happening to the subject, rather than the subject performing the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is being played" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe ongoing passive actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts underscores its widespread acceptance and applicability. While ensuring clarity by specifying the actor when possible is advisable, this phrase remains a valuable tool for describing events in progress. The available examples highlight its utility across various topics, solidifying its status as a common and easily understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is happening

A simpler and more direct way of stating that something is occurring.

is taking place

Stresses the occurrence or happening of an event.

is in progress

Focuses on the state of something happening rather than the action itself.

is underway

Emphasizes the commencement and continuation of an event or activity.

is in effect

Highlights that something is active or operational.

is being conducted

Indicates a more formal or organized execution of something.

is unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events.

is being executed

Implies a planned and deliberate performance or action.

is in motion

Focuses on the initiation and ongoing movement of something.

is developing

Highlights the progression and evolution of a situation.

FAQs

How do I use "is being played" in a sentence?

Use "is being played" to describe an action that is currently in progress. For example, "The game is being played despite the rain" or "The music is being played softly in the background".

What are some alternatives to "is being played"?

You can use alternatives like "is in progress", "is underway", or "is taking place" depending on the context.

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

While "is being played" is a passive construction, its appropriateness depends on the context. If the actor is unknown or unimportant, passive voice is suitable. If the actor is important, use active voice for clarity.

What's the difference between "is being played" and "is playing"?

"Is being played" indicates a passive action, where something is being acted upon. "Is playing" indicates an active action, where someone or something is performing the action.