it is taking place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is taking place" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an event or activity is currently happening or occurring. Example: "The conference is scheduled for next week, but it is taking place online due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The destruction blueprint is considered unprecedented because of its timetable and the fact that it is taking place during a war.

Los Angeles Times

It is taking place every single day," he said.

The Guardian

It is taking place during an overhaul of the board.

The Guardian - Business

It is taking place at two galleries: Osborne Samuel and Beetles + Huxley.

Independent

It is taking place at college campuses of all sizes around the country.

The New York Times - Sports

It is taking place at a particularly tricky point in time.

The Guardian - Money

It is taking place on Wednesday (30 April) at the Saltire Society in Edinburgh.

The Guardian

It is taking place in the literal backyard of most national political reporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is taking place right across the country, and hundreds of women are being affected".

The New Yorker

It is taking place quietly between executives from NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting, a unit of Time Warner.

The New York Times

Significantly, it is taking place with the support of Iran and without the backing of US air strikes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is taking place" to clearly indicate that an event or action is currently in progress. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid overusing "it is taking place" in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "it is occurring" or "is underway" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is taking place" functions as a present continuous tense construction, indicating that an event or activity is currently happening. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to describe ongoing situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is taking place" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote that an event or activity is currently happening. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread application in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "it is taking place" and alternative phrases such as "it is happening" or "it is occurring". Recognizing its function, purpose, and stylistic nuances enables effective communication and enhances writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is occurring

Replaces "taking place" with the more formal word "occurring".

it is in progress

Directly states that something is currently happening.

it is happening

Uses the more common and informal word "happening" instead of "taking place".

it is unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events.

it is underway

Implies that something has started and is in progress.

it is transpiring

A more formal and less frequently used synonym for "happening".

it is being held

Typically used when referring to meetings, events or conferences.

it is being conducted

Often used when referring to a formal event or activity like a study or investigation.

it is materializing

Implies that something is becoming real or evident.

it is coming to pass

A somewhat archaic way of saying something is happening or being fulfilled.

FAQs

What does "it is taking place" mean?

The phrase "it is taking place" means that something is currently happening or occurring. It indicates that an event, action, or process is in progress.

What can I say instead of "it is taking place"?

You can use alternatives like "it is occurring", "it is happening", or "it is underway" depending on the context.

Is "it is taking place" formal or informal?

"It is taking place" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "it is occurring" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

How to use "it is taking place" in a sentence?

You can use "it is taking place" to describe an event or activity that is currently happening. For example, "The conference is scheduled for next week, but it is taking place online due to the pandemic."