it was ongoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was ongoing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, event, process, etc. that is continuously happening over a period of time. Example: The research project was ongoing, with new data being collected over several months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Chairman Pai does have a legitimate excuse to a certain extent in that the FCC's Office of the Inspector General had requested that the agency keep quiet about its investigation while it was ongoing.

TechCrunch

Part of the appeal of subject Adnan Syed's story in Season 1 was that it was ongoing, a cop show drama unfolding right before our ears.

Vice

It was ongoing".

The New York Times

"It was ongoing advice on the things to emphasize".

The New York Times

"It was serial molestation, it was ongoing and it was long term".

The New York Times

Through Sabu, the FBI were aware of the attack on Stratfor's servers even as it was ongoing – and seemingly did not inform the company.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"It's ongoing, it's evolving and it's changed its structure over time.

TechCrunch

It is ongoing".

The New York Times

It's ongoing.

The New York Times

And it's ongoing".

The New York Times

In fact it's ongoing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was ongoing" to clearly indicate that a process, situation, or activity was in progress and continuing at a specific point in the past. This helps to convey a sense of continuity and duration.

Common error

Avoid using "it was ongoing" without providing context about when the process started or for how long it continued. Without this information, the phrase can feel vague and less informative. Provide specific details or a timeframe to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was ongoing" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that a particular activity, process, or situation was in progress at a specific point in the past. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to describe a continuous action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was ongoing" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that something was in progress at a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across different contexts, particularly in news and media. While it has a neutral register, it's important to provide context about the timeframe to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "it was in progress" or "it was continuing" for slightly different nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "it was ongoing" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was in progress

Focuses on the state of being actively happening, removing the emphasis on continuity.

it was underway

Highlights that something has started and is proceeding, similar to "ongoing" but with a slightly different nuance.

it was continuing

Directly replaces "ongoing" with a synonym, emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of the activity.

it was still happening

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize that the event or situation had not concluded.

it persisted

Emphasizes the endurance or continuation of something, often in the face of obstacles.

it was developing

Focuses on the gradual evolution or advancement of something over time.

it remained active

Stresses the continuous activity of something, implying that it was not dormant or inactive.

it was unceasing

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the event, suggesting a lack of breaks or pauses.

it sustained

Emphasizes the ability of something to continue or maintain itself over time.

it was unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events, implying a process of discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was ongoing" to describe a situation that was in progress at a particular time. For example, "The investigation into the matter "it was ongoing" when new evidence surfaced".

What are some alternatives to "it was ongoing"?

Alternatives include "it was in progress", "it was continuing", or "it was underway". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was ongoing" formal or informal?

"It was ongoing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "it was in progress" or "it was continuing".

Can "it was ongoing" be used to describe future events?

No, "it was ongoing" refers to a past situation that was in progress. To describe a future situation, use "it will be ongoing" or "it is expected to be ongoing".