it was getting to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was getting to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is gradually changing or developing over time. Example: "As the sun began to set, it was getting to be too dark to continue our hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was getting to be evening.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was getting to be too much," he tells me.

The Guardian - Film

"It was getting to be a crazy man's place".

The New York Times

It was getting to be like who died today".

The New York Times - Arts

I did not know how many that was and it was getting to be my turn.

The New Yorker

"It was getting to be impossible to try to schedule events".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's got to be".

The New York Times

It's got to be juuuust right.

The New York Times

"It's got to be like this".

The New Yorker

"It's got to be done realistically".

The New York Times

"It's got to be corrected".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was getting to be" to describe a gradual change or progression towards a specific state. For example, "It was getting to be late, so we decided to head home."

Common error

While acceptable, "it was getting to be" can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "it was becoming" or "it was evolving into" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was getting to be" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to indicate a gradual change or progression toward a specific state or condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is usable in written English and is found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was getting to be" is a phrase used to describe a gradual transition or evolution of a situation, condition, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Though generally acceptable, it's slightly informal, so consider more formal alternatives like "it was becoming" in academic or professional contexts. It's commonly found in news articles and general writing, conveying a sense of evolving circumstances. As shown by examples from Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, applying to time progression, developing routines, and escalating situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was becoming

This alternative directly replaces "getting to be" with "becoming", emphasizing the transition into a new state.

it was starting to be

This phrase highlights the initiation of the change, adding emphasis on the beginning of the process.

it was beginning to be

Similar to "starting to be", this option emphasizes the commencement of a gradual development.

it was turning into

This suggests a transformation, focusing on the resulting state after the change.

it was evolving into

This conveys a more complex and gradual development, often implying a natural progression.

it was shaping up to be

This indicates that the situation is developing in a particular direction with a certain outcome.

it was on its way to being

This emphasizes the progression towards a future state, suggesting it's not quite there yet.

the situation was developing into

This alternative explicitly mentions "situation" to indicate a particular set of circumstances evolving gradually

the atmosphere was transforming into

Focuses on the environmental conditions instead of general events.

the project was progressing towards

Indicates that a project is heading to the next stage.

FAQs

What does "it was getting to be" mean?

The phrase "it was getting to be" signifies a gradual progression or change towards a particular state or condition. It implies that something is in the process of becoming something else.

How can I use "it was getting to be" in a sentence?

You can use "it was getting to be" to describe a situation that's gradually changing. For example, "It was getting to be a routine" or "It was getting to be too much".

What are some alternatives to "it was getting to be"?

Alternatives include "it was becoming", "it was starting to be", or "it was turning into", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was getting to be" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered informal. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "it was becoming" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.