was being inaugurated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being inaugurated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is currently taking place or was taking place in the past, specifically the formal introduction or opening of something, such as a building or position. Example: "The new community center was being inaugurated with a ceremony attended by local officials and residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We were reminded of all the talk not so many years ago about "the global village", which it was said, was being inaugurated by the new electronic media.

The New Yorker

A friend who was coming to the dinner mentioned to her mother that the couple had just added a new room that was being inaugurated, Ms. Parker says.

The New York Times

George Bush Sr was being inaugurated as president of the United States, and Salman Rushdie was in hiding after the Iranian fatwa.

The Guardian

Mortars similar to those the I.R.A. used have also been employed by the FARC, most notably on Aug. 7 when at least five bombs were lobbed a mile toward the capitol here where Álvaro Uribe was being inaugurated president.

The New York Times

The president needed a way out of the disastrous Chechen campaign after the separatists had routed the Russians and captured Grozny, the Chechen capital, in August 1996 - just as Yeltsin was being inaugurated for his second term.

The Guardian

HONG KONG — Amid ear-splitting clashes of cymbals and drums, a team of lion dancers strutted its stuff on the 34th floor of Citibank Tower last month in a traditional ceremony aimed at bringing good fortune to the office that was being inaugurated there that day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Hopefully we show our best for this inauguration, despite who is being inaugurated," she added.

Huffington Post

Judges for the new International Criminal Court are being inaugurated on March 11.

The New York Times

BERLIN'S new Holocaust memorial is being inaugurated, on May 10th, almost exactly 60 years after the end of the second world war.

The Economist

One is being inaugurated with a show of Qing-dynasty Chinese ancestor portraits organized at the Freer and Arthur M. Sackler Galleries in Washington, where it appeared last summer.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, as then, he plays a vigorous, brutal, sympathetic, ragingly leonine, charismatic character; in the NBC show he is King Silas, the leader of the newly unified kingdom of Gilboa, whose capital, Shiloh, is being inaugurated as the series starts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being inaugurated" to describe formal openings or commencements, particularly when highlighting the ongoing nature of the event at a specific point in the past. For instance, "The new library was being inaugurated as the storm rolled in", emphasizes that the event was underway when something else happened.

Common error

Avoid using "was being inaugurated" for informal or casual openings. Reserve it for events that carry a level of ceremony or official recognition. A store "opens", but a national monument "is inaugurated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being inaugurated" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase, indicating an action (inauguration) that was in progress at a specific point in the past. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being inaugurated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as determined by Ludwig. It describes a formal opening or commencement that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Predominantly found in news and formal business contexts, it emphasizes the unfolding nature of the event. Related phrases include "was being launched" and "was being initiated", providing alternative ways to express a similar meaning. Remember to reserve this phrase for events with ceremonial or official significance, avoiding its use in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being initiated

Focuses more on the commencement of a process or membership, not necessarily a formal opening.

was being launched

Emphasizes the start of something new, often a product or project, but can be less formal.

was being opened

A more general term for starting something, often a physical space or event.

was being commenced

A more formal and less common alternative to "was being started".

was being instituted

Focuses on establishing a rule, system, or policy.

was being established

Highlights the creation or founding of something more permanent.

was being started

A simpler and more direct way of saying something was beginning.

was being dedicated

Emphasizes the act of formally setting something aside for a specific purpose.

was being commissioned

Implies that someone requested or ordered the start of something, like a project or artwork.

was being sworn in

Specifically refers to the act of taking an oath of office.

FAQs

What does "was being inaugurated" mean?

The phrase "was being inaugurated" describes the act of formally introducing or commencing something, often with a ceremony. It indicates that the event of inauguration was in progress at a specific time in the past.

When is it appropriate to use "was being inaugurated"?

Use "was being inaugurated" when describing a formal opening, installation, or commencement that was actively taking place at a particular point in the past. It is suitable for events with ceremonial aspects, such as the opening of a new building, the installation of an official, or the start of a significant project.

What are some alternatives to "was being inaugurated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "was being launched", "was being opened", or "was being initiated". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "was being inaugurated" differ from "was inaugurated"?

"Was being inaugurated" implies that the inauguration was in progress at a specific time, whereas "was inaugurated" indicates that the inauguration occurred as a completed event. The former emphasizes the ongoing nature of the ceremony at a particular moment.