was being formulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being formulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process that was ongoing in the past, particularly when referring to the development or creation of an idea, plan, or document. Example: "The new policy was being formulated during the committee meetings last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In his mind Sheffield Wednesday were already down, a new team was being formulated, the hurt of relegation overcome.

The Guardian - Sport

The poem, said Professor Scimeca, was written around the time that the ideal of the Jersey girl was being formulated.

The New York Times

Pretty much the same analysis was being formulated, at around the same time, in the pages of Partisan Review.

The New Yorker

He hadn't even known that a definition was being formulated — otherwise, he might have tried to attend the meeting.

The Washington Post

Ch Supt Adrian Usher, the officer in charge of policing in Barnet, said a plan for the policing operation was being formulated.

The Guardian

He added that when the Playoff was being formulated four years ago, he had advocated that it comprise the four best conference champions.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Meanwhile, plans for another affordable housing project in a blighted Bay Shore area, one mile from South Wind, are being formulated.

The New York Times

Stewart Alter, a spokesman in New York for McCann-Erickson/ A&L, declined to comment on what plans were being formulated.

The New York Times

Update, Saturday May 5 | A plan to intervene on the nest is being formulated by wildlife experts.

The New York Times

"It's symptomatic of a lot of way communication is being formulated in the 21st century," Mr. Aitken said.

The New York Times

Plans are being formulated under arrangements agreed between the EU and African leaders in Malta in November 2015.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being formulated" to describe the ongoing process of creating or developing something in the past, particularly when the exact moment of completion is not known or relevant. This emphasizes the evolution of the idea or plan.

Common error

Avoid using "was being formulated" to describe a completed action. If the formulation is complete, use "was formulated" instead. The continuous tense indicates an ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being formulated" functions as a passive construction in the past continuous tense. It describes an action (formulation) that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being formulated" is a versatile phrase used to describe ongoing development or creation processes in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it is suitable for neutral to formal registers, it's important to avoid using it for completed actions, opting instead for the simple past passive "was formulated". Consider alternatives like "was under development" or "was taking shape" to fine-tune your message and provide further clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was under development

Focuses on the development aspect, highlighting the process of growth and refinement.

was in the process of creation

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

was taking shape

Suggests a gradual formation or organization of something.

was being drafted

Specifically refers to the writing or outlining of a document or plan.

was being planned

Highlights the preparation and arrangement stages of a project or event.

was in the works

An idiomatic expression indicating that something was being prepared or developed, often secretly.

was being designed

Focuses on the conceptual and aesthetic creation of something.

was being prepared

Suggests readiness and anticipation in the creation process.

was being conceived

Emphasizes the initial stage of idea formation.

was being established

Highlights the action of setting up or founding something, giving it stability.

FAQs

How do I use "was being formulated" in a sentence?

Use "was being formulated" to describe an idea, plan, or policy that /s/was+under+development at a specific time in the past. For example, "The strategy "was being formulated" during the White House meetings."

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

"Was being formulated" indicates an ongoing process in the past, while "was formulated" indicates a completed action. Use "was being formulated" when the emphasis is on the development phase and "was formulated" when the emphasis is on the completed result.

What can I say instead of "was being formulated"?

Alternatives include /s/was+under+development, /s/was+taking+shape, or /s/was+being+planned depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was being formulated" formal or informal?

"Was being formulated" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in a variety of contexts, including academic, professional, and journalistic writing.