was arising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was arising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was coming into existence or becoming apparent in the past. Example: "As the sun set, a sense of unease was arising among the villagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A matter of concern was arising, like smoke in the distance, in relation to Latrell Sprewell.

The New York Times - Sports

A new Darwinian language was arising from this combination of determination and fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said the problem was arising because of increased building in areas where local ordinances were inadequate.

The New York Times

It had to do with a sense that creative writing, that poetry in my case, was arising out of this superb intellectual climate where art was taken seriously.

The New York Times

I remember the early days of hip-hop — I had the sense that a new form was arising to express experiences that weren't yet widely depicted, and that its aesthetic characteristics were integral to this communciation.

The New Yorker

He told me, with a kind of uncanny clairvoyance, that it was urgent for "us" to start looking beyond the immediate battle in Afghanistan, and past even the challenges of the Cold War, to a new threat that was arising.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Finally, a microscopically well-defined 1-dimensional surface wrinkle was arisen.

Nature

However, another difficulty is arising.

The Economist

What issues are arising as a result?

The New York Times

Similar anxieties were arising on the Continent.

The New York Times

The same issues are arising across Europe".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was arising" to describe the gradual appearance or development of something, often in the context of problems, feelings, or new phenomena. For example, "A new concern was arising within the community."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "was arising" might sound less formal than alternatives like "was emerging" or "was developing" in certain academic or professional settings. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was arising" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It indicates an ongoing process of something coming into being or becoming apparent. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the gradual emergence of issues, problems, or new phenomena.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was arising" is a grammatically sound and relatively common verb phrase used to describe the ongoing emergence or development of something in the past. According to Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and whether alternative phrasings like "was emerging" or "was developing" might be more appropriate. Remember that "was arising" emphasizes the process of becoming, rather than a completed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was emerging

Focuses more on the act of coming out or becoming visible.

was developing

Emphasizes a process of growth or unfolding.

was occurring

Highlights the event or happening itself.

was taking place

Similar to "was occurring" but may imply a more structured or planned event.

was materializing

Suggests that something abstract is becoming concrete or real.

was surfacing

Implies that something previously hidden is becoming known.

was originating

Emphasizes the point of origin or beginning.

was sprouting

Conveys a sense of rapid or sudden growth, like a plant.

was budding

Similar to "was sprouting" but suggests potential and promise.

was commencing

Focuses on the initiation or start of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was arising" in a sentence?

The phrase "was arising" describes something that was in the process of coming into being or becoming noticeable. For example, "A problem "was arising" due to the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "was arising"?

Alternatives include "was emerging", "was developing", or "was occurring". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was arising" or "arose" in past tense?

"Was arising" implies a continuous or gradual process in the past, while "arose" indicates a single, completed event. For example, "A conflict "was arising" over time" versus "A conflict "arose" suddenly".

What's the difference between "was arising" and "is arising"?

"Was arising" refers to something happening in the past, whereas "is arising" describes something happening in the present. For example, "The issue "was arising" last year" versus "The issue "is arising" now".