was being abandoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being abandoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past where something or someone was in the process of being left behind or deserted. Example: "As the last ship sailed away, the island felt eerily quiet, as if it was being abandoned by all who once called it home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

House by house, Baghdad was being abandoned.

The New Yorker

The dying city was being abandoned; Woody stubbornly stayed.

The New Yorker

By the mid-1970s the inner city was being abandoned.

The New York Times - Arts

As Muslim countries in the 20th century generally abolished national dress, the tarboosh was being abandoned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now even that limited recount was being abandoned, a decision that brought whoops and applause from the crowd.

The New York Times

When Katharine became engaged to him in 1925, she delayed telling Orville, fearing he would feel he was being abandoned.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"These women are being abandoned.

Independent

Waterless villages are being abandoned.

Yale University

"Land is being abandoned.

The Guardian

So the unemployed are being abandoned.

The New York Times

"The focus on size is being abandoned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being abandoned" to describe a situation where something or someone is in the process of being left behind or deserted, especially when emphasizing the ongoing nature of the abandonment. For instance, "The project was being abandoned due to lack of funding" highlights the active process rather than a completed action.

Common error

Avoid using "was being abandoned" when the abandonment is already complete. Instead, use "had been abandoned" or "was abandoned" to indicate a finished action. For example, instead of "The building was being abandoned last year", say "The building was abandoned last year" if the process is over.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being abandoned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being abandoned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes an ongoing action in the past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was being abandoned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction that describes an ongoing process of desertion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for objective reporting and formal discussions. When using this phrase, ensure the action is indeed in progress, distinguishing it from completed abandonment. Alternatives such as "was getting deserted" or "was being left behind" can provide nuanced variations. The frequency of its appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being left behind

Emphasizes the act of being excluded or forgotten.

was getting deserted

Focuses on the process of becoming empty or forsaken.

was being forsaken

Emphasizes the act of being abandoned or rejected.

was getting neglected

Highlights the lack of care or attention leading to abandonment.

was being phased out

Indicates a gradual withdrawal or termination of something.

was being discontinued

Emphasizes the cessation or termination of something.

was being given up

Focuses on the act of surrendering or ceasing effort.

was being relinquished

Suggests a formal or intentional act of giving something up.

was being evacuated

Focuses on the removal of people from a dangerous place.

was being vacated

Implies the act of leaving a place empty.

FAQs

How can I use "was being abandoned" in a sentence?

Use "was being abandoned" to describe something in the process of being deserted or given up. For example, "The old mine "was being abandoned" due to its dwindling resources".

What are some alternatives to "was being abandoned"?

Alternatives include "was getting deserted", "was being forsaken", or "was being left behind", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was being abandoned" or "had been abandoned"?

Both are correct, but they convey different meanings. "Was being abandoned" describes an ongoing process, while "had been abandoned" indicates a completed action in the past.

What's the difference between "was being abandoned" and "was abandoned"?

"Was being abandoned" indicates an action in progress. For instance, "The ship "was being abandoned" when the storm hit". Whereas, "was abandoned" indicates that the abandonment has been completed.