they were erecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were erecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of constructing or building something, typically in the past tense. Example: "They were erecting a new bridge over the river to improve transportation in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They were erecting, in the words of Exodus, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation".

The New Yorker

Construction workers let him sleep in the new luxury buildings they were erecting.

The New York Times

Intentional disregard or plain indifference by one of the main subcontractors at the Tropicana Casino and Resort expansion project, as well as serious violations by three other companies, caused the death of four workers and the injury of 20 others when the garage they were erecting collapsed last October, federal investigators concluded yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

All date from colonial times, but considerable stylistic changes have been made on these buildings since they were erected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He liked sleeping in the tents favored by his nomadic ancestors, particularly if they were erected within the palace gardens.

The New York Times - Arts

In discussiong the new parking meters he said they were erected without any submission of the design to the Art Commission.

The New Yorker

But, as my colleague William Yardley reported in July, they were erected in an era that valued hydroelectric power more than fish habitat.

The New York Times

Just outside the Krypte stood bronze statues of Zeus, called Zanes; they were erected with money from fines imposed on those who violated the rules of the Games.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Had they not been constructed so deep inside the cave, however, they would probably have weathered away in the 175,000 years since they were erected.

The Guardian

The police were also urged to start the operation at night, but interpreted the chancellor's comments as a demand to begin removing the tents at 3 p.m. Friday, just a few days after they were erected.

The New York Times

In addition to ticketed spaces such as the Olympic Park itself, or the official sponsor spaces such as BTLive Fan Zones in Hyde and Victoria Park, there are also a vast number of country-specific 'houses' hosting public events and tourism showcases throughout the 16 days - vanishing as quickly as they were erected once the flame is extinguished.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were erecting" when you want to convey a sense of formal construction or building, especially when referring to buildings, monuments, or structures of some significance. However, be mindful of the audience, if you are writing for a broad audience, consider using the word "building".

Common error

Avoid using "they were erecting" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they were building" or "they put up" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were erecting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, describing an ongoing action of building or constructing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were erecting" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the ongoing action of building or constructing something in the past. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and occasionally in scientific writing. While there are simpler alternatives like "they were building", "they were erecting" can add a touch of formality or emphasis to the construction process. While this phrase is correct and usable, remember to adjust your language based on the context and audience to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they constructed

This alternative uses a more formal verb for building.

they built

A simpler and more common synonym for erecting.

they were building

Uses the continuous tense of "build" to emphasize ongoing construction.

they assembled

Suggests a process of putting parts together.

they raised

Implies lifting something into an upright position.

they were setting up

Indicates a temporary or less permanent construction.

they put up

A colloquial way of saying they erected.

they were creating

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

they established

Suggests setting something up on a more permanent basis.

they fabricated

Highlights the process of manufacturing or constructing.

FAQs

What does "they were erecting" mean?

The phrase "they were erecting" means that a group of people were in the process of building or constructing something. It implies a deliberate and often somewhat formal act of putting something together.

When is it appropriate to use "they were erecting"?

Use "they were erecting" when describing the construction of buildings, monuments, or other significant structures. It's suitable for formal writing, historical accounts, or when emphasizing the deliberate nature of the building process. For simpler constructions or informal contexts, alternatives like "they were building" or "they put up" might be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "they were erecting"?

Some alternatives to "they were erecting" include "they constructed", "they built", "they were building", or "they assembled". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is "they were erecting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they were erecting" is grammatically correct. It's the past continuous tense of the verb "to erect", indicating an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past.