was being documented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being documented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action that was ongoing in the past, specifically in the context of recording or noting information. Example: "During the meeting, the decisions made were being documented by the secretary for future reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The interesting thing was that not only the artists were enthusiastic about it, but the construction workers and the people who were part of the construction management team liked the fact that their work was being documented, and appreciated that this documentation would exist after the building was completed.

HuffPost

"But it won't be lost," said Shane, noting that the work was being documented in photographs and videotapes.

The New York Times

After completing seven successful jumps in Norway on an expedition that was his own but was being documented by a television crew, Mr. Forrestal jumped from Kjerag and landed awkwardly on a ridge, possibly breaking his legs.

The New York Times

She said that no-one was talking to her and what was being documented and reported wasn't helping people understand why it was so bad".

Vice

"Due to the sudden nature of Mr. Romney's departure, he remained the sole stockholder for a time while formal ownership was being documented and transferred to the group of partners who took over management of the firm in 1999.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Busy repressing demonstrators, looting the population, killing, they've forgotten that their abuses were being documented.

The Guardian

People's responses are being documented in a very obvious way.

The New York Times - Magazine

What she has learned is being documented, in keeping with the multicultural focus of the Queens Botanical Garden.

The New York Times

Our children's lives are being documented to a degree never done before.

The New York Times

Rather inconvenient for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's construction timetable, but a historic find nonetheless, which means the walls are being documented and disassembled (her role), not dynamited.

The New York Times

The reports also demonstrate that while an alleged crime is being documented, events that might have instigated the event often go unmentioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to highlight the thoroughness and detail involved in recording something, using "was being documented" adds a layer of significance that a simple "was recorded" might miss.

Common error

Avoid using "was being documented" when a more active voice would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "The experiment's results were being documented by the scientists", consider "The scientists were documenting the experiment's results."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being documented" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action of documenting (recording or noting information) was in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. This construction emphasizes the object or subject receiving the action rather than the actor performing it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being documented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates an ongoing process of recording information in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid for use in formal writing. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic sources underscores its suitability for objective reporting and detailed record-keeping. When writing, consider whether the passive voice best serves your purpose or if an active construction would be more direct. Alternative phrases like "was being recorded" or "was being chronicled" can provide nuances in meaning, but "was being documented" remains a versatile and widely accepted option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being recorded

Focuses specifically on the act of recording, often implying audio or video.

was in the process of being documented

Adds emphasis to the ongoing nature of the documentation.

was being registered

Suggests a more formal process of officially noting something.

documentation was underway

Shifts the focus to the documentation itself, rather than the action.

was being chronicled

Implies a detailed and historical account is being created.

the process was being captured

Emphasizes the act of capturing the essence of something.

was being cataloged

Emphasizes a systematic listing and organization of items or information.

the details were being preserved

Highlights the act of keeping the details intact.

was being archived

Suggests preserving something for future reference.

was under documentation

Highlights the state of being in the process of documentation.

FAQs

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

Use "was being documented" to describe an ongoing action of recording or noting information in the past. For example, "The meeting's progress "was being documented" by the secretary."

What are some alternatives to "was being documented"?

Alternatives include phrases like "was being recorded", "was being registered", or "was being chronicled", depending on the specific context.

Is "was being documented" formal or informal?

"Was being documented" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

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

"Was documented" indicates a completed action, while ""was being documented"" implies an action in progress at a particular time in the past. The latter emphasizes the process rather than the result.