this is being done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is being done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action in progress. For example: "The cleaning crew is hard at work - this is being done to ensure the store is sanitary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is being done through five task forces with responsibilities for health, food, shelter, water and public information.

Unicef

This is being done in two ways.

The Economist

Some of this is being done.

The Economist

This is being done to support supermarkets".

The Guardian - Books

"This is being done to generate fear.

The Guardian

"This is being done to serve his politics".

The New York Times

The speed with which this is being done is striking.

The New York Times

This is being done in some places, with impressive results.

The New York Times

All this is being done in anticipation of a thaw.

The New Yorker

You may think this is being done as a courtesy.

The New York Times - Tech

This is being done to allay localised competition concerns.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs or active voice constructions for more direct and impactful writing when appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive voice constructions like "this is being done" can make your writing sound vague or less engaging. Prefer active voice when the actor is known and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is being done" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action is currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The subject ('this') receives the action, shifting focus away from the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is being done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe an action currently in progress, with the focus on the action itself rather than the actor. Ludwig's examples indicate its prevalence in news, business, and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and opt for more direct, active constructions when appropriate. The best practice is to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "this" refers to in the sentence. Consider alternatives like "this is in progress" or "steps are being taken" to adjust the emphasis or tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the action.

this is underway

Emphasizes that the action has already started.

this is in the process

Highlights that the action is part of a series of steps.

the execution is in progress

More formal; emphasizes the act of carrying out a plan.

the implementation is underway

Focuses on putting a plan into effect.

steps are being taken

Highlights specific actions being carried out.

this is being implemented

Highlights the process of making something active or effective.

this action is being performed

A more formal way to state that something is being carried out.

measures are being applied

Emphasizes the application of specific strategies or solutions.

the task is being addressed

Focuses on dealing with or solving a particular problem or task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is being done" to sound more active?

Consider alternatives like "we are doing this", "they are performing this action", or specify the actor: "the team is implementing this", depending on the context. This often leads to a more direct and engaging writing style.

Is it always better to avoid the passive voice construction "this is being done"?

Not always. The passive voice is useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the action itself. However, overuse can make your writing sound weak. Choose the active voice where appropriate.

What's the difference between "this is being done" and "this is done"?

"This is being done" indicates an action in progress, while "this is done" indicates the action is completed. For example, "The report is being written" vs "The report is done".

When is it appropriate to use "this is being done" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the action rather than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. However, strive for conciseness; consider active voice if it provides clarity and impact.