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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
they were incorporating
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "they were incorporating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of including or integrating something into a larger whole, often in a past context. Example: "During the meeting, they were incorporating feedback from the team to improve the project."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
they were implementing
they were using
they were being
they were understanding
they were having
they were doing
they were involved
they experienced
they enjoyed
they were receiving
they were representing
they preferred having
they were participating
they were approving
they possessed
they were undergoing
they were the recipients of
they encountered
they were leaving
they were identifying
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
In San Francisco, Iyer encountered a group called Asian Improv, whose members "were committed to radical African-American traditions, but they were incorporating instruments from Japan and China, and dealing with issues of their own," he said.
News & Media
We integrated our supply chain so we were sourcing more variations of products but they were innovative in that they were incorporating cooking utensils into their subscription box experiences.
News & Media
However the band realized that they were incorporating too many samples on their recordings and could not produce these sounds live.
Wiki
The Interactive Advertising Bureau study polled 300 top marketing executives, all of whom said they were incorporating mobile devices in their promotional plans.
News & Media
WWE responded to the criticism by stating that they were incorporating "current events into [their] storylines" to "create compelling and relevant content for [their] audience" and that "this storyline in no way represents WWE's political point of view".
Wiki
Some voiced unease about whether they were incorporating the questions correctly within consultations or uncertainty about how to handle potential new diagnoses, particularly nursing staff.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
In New York last week they were incorporated into next season's grown up glamour.
News & Media
From November that year they were incorporated into the global jihadi group.
News & Media
Then they were incorporated into the regular Ugandan Army where they received more training.
News & Media
What outside issues might be highly valued if they were incorporated into the process?
News & Media
Importantly, only when ADSCs were administered adhered to MPs, they were incorporated into newly formed vessels.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "they were incorporating" to clearly indicate the active process of including elements into a larger whole. It is particularly effective when describing changes, adaptations, or integration within a specific timeframe.
Common error
Avoid using "they were incorporating" to describe static or permanent states. This phrase implies an ongoing action, so it's not suitable for describing something that has already been fully integrated and is no longer changing.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "they were incorporating" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an action of including or integrating something that was in progress at a particular time in the past. The examples show its use in various contexts, such as integrating instruments in music or adopting new technologies.
Frequent in
News & Media
34%
Science
33%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
6%
Academia
6%
Formal & Business
6%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "they were incorporating" is a grammatically correct past continuous verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of including or integrating elements. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it for static states, as it implies active and ongoing integration. Alternatives include "they were integrating" or "they were including", depending on the specific context. Prominent sources like The New York Times and The Guardian feature its use, further validating its widespread acceptance and application.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
they were integrating
Replaces "incorporating" with "integrating", emphasizing the act of combining parts into a unified whole.
they were including
Substitutes "incorporating" with "including", highlighting the addition of elements.
they were adding
Replaces "incorporating" with "adding", focusing on the act of supplementing something.
they were adopting
Changes "incorporating" to "adopting", indicating the acceptance and use of new methods or practices.
they were implementing
Substitutes "incorporating" with "implementing", focusing on putting plans or systems into effect.
they were utilizing
Replaces "incorporating" with "utilizing", which emphasizes making practical and effective use of something.
they were merging
Changes "incorporating" to "merging", highlighting the combining of separate entities into one.
they were assimilating
Substitutes "incorporating" with "assimilating", emphasizing the process of absorbing into a culture or group.
they were embedding
Replaces "incorporating" with "embedding", focusing on fixing something firmly within a surrounding mass.
they were weaving in
Changes "incorporating" to "weaving in", suggesting a more subtle and integrated form of inclusion.
FAQs
What does "they were incorporating" mean?
The phrase "they were incorporating" means that a group was in the process of including or integrating something into a larger whole or system. It suggests an active and ongoing effort to combine elements.
How can I use "they were incorporating" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe a team integrating feedback, a company adopting new technologies, or a culture assimilating new customs. For instance, "During the design phase, "they were incorporating" user feedback to improve the interface."
Are there alternatives to "they were incorporating"?
Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they were integrating", "they were including", or "they were adopting".
Is "they are incorporating" the same as "they were incorporating"?
No, "they are incorporating" refers to a present action, while "they were incorporating" refers to an action that was ongoing in the past. The former describes what is currently happening, while the latter describes what happened at a specific time in the past.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested