they were getting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were getting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of becoming or obtaining something over time. Example: "They were getting tired after a long day of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were getting killed".

The New Yorker

"Lucky they were getting out".

The New York Times

And they were getting old.

The New Yorker

They were getting antsy.

The New York Times

"They were getting more advice, they were getting opportunities, and they were getting promoted".

The New York Times

"They knew what they were getting.

The New York Times - Arts

They were getting a comeuppance.

The New York Times

But they were getting closer.

The New Yorker

"They were getting back together.

The New Yorker

They were getting increasingly confident.

The Guardian

And they were getting restless.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear what they were getting. Add a descriptive adjective or noun after "getting" to clarify the meaning. For example, "They were getting tired" is more specific than just "They were getting".

Common error

Avoid using "they were getting" when you mean to describe a completed action. Instead, use "they got" to indicate that something has already been obtained or achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were getting" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past continuous tense of the verb "get". It describes an ongoing action or a process that was happening in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were getting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, indicating a process or change unfolding in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and versatility make it suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase describes a state of change, often referring to becoming, obtaining, or receiving something. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify what exactly "they" were getting to avoid ambiguity and to ensure the action aligns with the intended timeframe. By considering these factors, you can effectively incorporate "they were getting" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were becoming

Emphasizes the process of changing into a different state or condition.

they were obtaining

Focuses on the act of acquiring or gaining something.

they were receiving

Highlights the act of being given or presented with something.

they were experiencing

Emphasizes the process of undergoing or feeling something.

they were approaching

Suggests the act of moving closer to a particular state or condition.

they were developing

Focuses on the process of growth or advancement.

they were progressing

Highlights forward movement or improvement.

they were evolving

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation over time.

they were trending toward

Suggests a general direction or inclination.

they were heading towards

Focuses on the direction of movement or progress.

FAQs

What does "they were getting" mean?

The phrase "they were getting" typically describes a process or a gradual change of state. It means a group was in the process of obtaining, becoming, or receiving something over a period of time. For example, "They were getting tired" indicates that they were in the process of becoming tired.

What can I say instead of "they were getting"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "they were becoming", "they were receiving", or "they were obtaining". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "they were getting" in a sentence?

Use "they were getting" to describe a continuous action or a change happening over time. For example, "They were getting ready for the glamour shots" indicates that they were in the process of preparing for glamour shots. Ensure the context clarifies what they were obtaining or becoming.

Is it correct to say "they were get" instead of "they were getting"?

No, "they were get" is grammatically incorrect. The correct progressive form is "they were getting". The verb "get" requires the -ing suffix to indicate a continuous or ongoing action.