it was exhibiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exhibiting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past action or behavior of something that was showing a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "The artwork was captivating, and it was exhibiting a unique blend of colors that drew everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

To verify that the transcripts of the genomic RNA of TRV1 and TRV2 were present and diffused inside the infiltrated plant 1, showing uniformly the effects on the whole upper plant part, total RNA was extracted from small fruit (approx. 10 DAA) of this plant that although in the early stages of development, it was exhibiting an obvious change in its shape.

BMC Plant Biology

"It was exhibiting lawlessness," Professor Eastman said.

The New York Times

Then he noticed that it was exhibiting the symptoms of rabies.

The New York Times

The problem with "Advancing American Art" was that it was entirely a government program: the State Department actually owned the work that it was exhibiting.

The New Yorker

It was exhibiting a phenomenal array of artwork, including disturbing video pieces by A? Ruilova and napkin illustrations by Jim Hodges, which stretch out across an entire wall.

The New York Times

Sightseeing I was lured to the Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square, [phone], because it was exhibiting a show of Linda McCartney's photography (it closes July 29).

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was exhibited shortly before Boty died, in a group exhibition in Bradford.

The Guardian - Books

By June 2017, it was exhibited as the centerpiece of his first post-art school solo exhibition at Auckland's St Paul Street Gallery.

Vice

It was exhibited across the street.

The New Yorker

It was exhibited until recently at the Citicorp building.

The New York Times - Arts

It was exhibited in N.Y., Baltimore, and Philadelphia before it reached the White House.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was exhibiting" to describe the clear and observable presentation of characteristics or behaviors, especially when implying a process or ongoing action in the past. Ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was exhibiting" in contexts where simpler verbs like "showing" or "displaying" are more appropriate. Overusing "exhibiting" can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

Progressive verb phrase functioning as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes an ongoing action or state of being in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is grammatically correct and widely accepted, marking an action in progress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was exhibiting" is a grammatically correct progressive verb phrase used to describe an ongoing display or manifestation of a quality in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness, and real-world examples show its use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While slightly more formal than simpler alternatives like "showing" or "displaying", it remains versatile. Understanding the context and nuance helps in choosing the best phrase for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it displayed

Replaces "exhibiting" with a more general term for showing something, focusing on the act of presentation.

it demonstrated

Implies a clear and obvious showing of a particular quality or feature.

it showed

A simpler and more direct alternative to "exhibiting".

it manifested

Suggests the appearance of something abstract or less tangible.

it gave evidence of

Emphasizes the providing of proof or indication of a certain quality.

it revealed

Focuses on uncovering or making something known that was previously hidden.

it signaled

Indicates that something was giving off a sign or indication.

it presented

Emphasizes a formal or structured showing of something.

it reflected

Implies that the entity was mirroring or showing an indirect representation of something.

it bore

Suggests carrying or displaying a particular mark or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "it was exhibiting" in a sentence?

Use "it was exhibiting" to describe a past action or behavior where something was displaying a particular quality or characteristic. For example: "The artwork was captivating, and "it was exhibiting" a unique blend of colors".

What can I say instead of "it was exhibiting"?

You can use alternatives like "it displayed", "it demonstrated", or "it showed" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was exhibiting" formal or informal?

"It was exhibiting" leans towards a more formal register. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "it showed" or "it displayed" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it was exhibiting" and "it exhibited"?

"It exhibited" describes a completed action in the past, whereas "it was exhibiting" describes an ongoing action or a state of being in the past. The latter emphasizes the process of displaying something over a period of time.