is being searched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being searched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an ongoing action where something or someone is currently under investigation or examination. Example: "The area is being searched for any clues related to the missing person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A bin lorry is being searched.

The Guardian

Officer Bridget Balasko holds a small child while the girl's father is being searched and questioned.

The New Yorker

A Libyan freighter is being searched 12 miles off Port Elizabeth, N.J.

The New York Times

Her home and a second address she has been associated with is being searched by police.

Independent

Kristie Velasco, the promoter's lawyer, replied, "You are absolutely allowed to go in, but everybody is being searched".

The New York Times

According to the Buzz Index at Yahoo, Amy Adams, whose indelibleness is writ to anybody who has seen "Junebug," is being searched 2,468 percent more than she was before the awards season.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The house where they were allegedly held was being searched.

Independent

The containers were being searched because something looked wrong.

The New York Times

The flat was being searched by German police.

Independent

In Jeumont, streets were closed around a building that was being searched.

The Guardian

Greater Manchester police, which was co-ordinating the anti-terror arrests, said several properties were being searched.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is being searched" to describe an ongoing action where something or someone is currently under examination or investigation. For clarity, specify who or what is conducting the search.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice. While "is being searched" is grammatically correct, active voice often makes writing more direct and engaging. Consider if an active construction like "Police are searching the area" would be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being searched" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. It describes a state where someone or something is currently undergoing a search.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being searched" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of examination or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds its usage primarily in news and media, followed by scientific contexts. When writing, consider the active voice alternatives for more direct and engaging communication. Remember, clarity is key: specify who or what is conducting the search to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is under investigation

Focuses on the formal process of investigation, implying scrutiny and potential legal implications.

is being examined

Emphasizes a detailed inspection or analysis, often in a scientific or technical context.

is being inspected

Suggests a more routine or procedural check, such as customs or quality control.

is being scrutinized

Highlights a critical and potentially judgmental assessment, often implying suspicion or doubt.

is being vetted

Implies a thorough background check or approval process, often for security or suitability.

is being explored

Suggests an investigation into something unknown and/or uncertain.

is being audited

Focuses on a financial or compliance review, often by an external authority.

is under surveillance

Highlights monitoring for potential wrong doing.

is being canvassed

Highlights a broad, inclusive effort towards collecting data.

is being canvassed

Highlights a broad, inclusive effort towards collecting data.

FAQs

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

Use "is being searched" to describe an ongoing process of examination or investigation. For example, "The building is being searched by the police" or "The database is being searched for relevant information".

What are some alternatives to "is being searched"?

You can use alternatives like "is under investigation", "is being examined", or "is being inspected" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a search?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice (e.g., "The police are searching the house") is often more direct and engaging than passive voice ("The house is being searched"). Choose the voice that best suits the desired tone and emphasis.

What's the difference between "is being searched" and "was being searched"?

"Is being searched" indicates an ongoing search, while "was being searched" indicates a search that occurred in the past. For example, "The area is being searched now" vs. "The area was being searched yesterday".