is being watched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being watched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is currently under observation or scrutiny. Example: "The security cameras show that the area is being watched at all times to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everyone is being watched.

The New York Times - Books

Batch is being watched most closely.

The New York Times - Sports

But Williams's future is being watched closely.

The New York Times - Sports

Do we really believe she is being watched?

The New York Times - Books

Everything you say and do is being watched.

The Guardian

The campaign is being watched closely in Washington.

The New York Times

The issue is being watched closely across Europe.

The New York Times

The test is being watched closely by regulators.

The New York Times

"Everything you do is being watched," he explained.

The Guardian - Sport

(Ms. Hendon said that Hunter, a golden retriever, is being watched by friends of Ms. Jiau).

The New York Times

He is being watched, he said, but he was determined to carry on his brother's work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is being watched", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the watching. Ambiguity can weaken the sentence's impact. For example, specify whether it's "the government is watching" or "the public is watching".

Common error

While "is being watched" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more impactful and clear. For instance, instead of "The suspect is being watched by the police", try "The police are watching the suspect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being watched" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of watching. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase appears extensively in various contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. The auxiliary verb "is" and the passive participle "being watched" create a continuous passive form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is being watched" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that conveys ongoing observation or scrutiny. According to Ludwig AI, it appears commonly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the potential for overuse of passive voice and opt for active constructions where clarity and impact are desired. Alternatives like "is under surveillance" or "is being monitored" can provide more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is under close watch

Emphasizes the intensity and vigilance of the observation.

is being monitored

Suggests a systematic tracking or observation over a period.

is under observation

Implies a careful and deliberate watching, often in a scientific or medical context.

is under surveillance

Indicates a more formal and often technological form of observation.

is being kept under observation

Emphasizes continuous and prolonged watching.

is being scrutinized

Highlights a critical and detailed examination.

is the subject of scrutiny

Emphasizes that is under examination, inspection, and critical review.

is being tracked

Focuses on the act of following someone or something's movement.

is being kept an eye on

An informal way to express watching with care and attention.

is having its progress noted

Focuses on the assessment and recording of development or advancement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is being watched" indicates that someone or something is under observation. For example, you might say, "The suspect "is being watched" by the detectives" or "The experiment "is being watched" closely by the scientists".

What are some alternatives to "is being watched"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is under surveillance", "is being monitored", or "is under observation" as alternatives to "is being watched".

Is "is being watched" formal or informal?

The phrase "is being watched" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "is being watched" and "is being observed"?

While both phrases indicate observation, "is being watched" implies a more general act of keeping an eye on something, while "is being observed" often suggests a more formal or scientific context, implying careful and systematic observation.