was being processed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being processed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is being done or operated on in a continuous fashion, such as a machine or a transaction. For example: "The payment was being processed when the computer malfunctioned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"When that thing was being processed don't think it wasn't on my mind," he admits.

The Guardian

I was being processed through, and a man motioned me over.

The New York Times

I complained and was assured my original review was being processed and my account was safe.

The Guardian - Money

Last year, while their application was being processed, their second child was born — a girl.

The Times

I called the reservations number four times and was told that the request was "being processed".

The New York Times

Background checks showed no ties to terrorism, he said, and the family was being processed for deportation.

The New York Times

The couple said they received the correct money only after staff told them their claim was being processed manually.

The Guardian

Eighteen-year-old Iraqi refugee Ahmed Hassan had been living with the Joneses while his immigration application was being processed.

The Guardian

A GO/NO-GO choice task paradigm was used to ensure that digit parity (i.e., odd/even) was being processed.

Neuropsychologia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Note: Some of the collections listed below are awaiting processing, or are being processed and are not yet accessible.

Columbia University

"Their cases are being processed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being processed" to clearly indicate that an action was ongoing at a specific point in the past, particularly in contexts where the duration of the process is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "was being processed" when you intend to describe a completed action. Use "was processed" instead to indicate that the process is finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being processed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject was undergoing a process performed by an unspecified agent. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes an action in progress in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was being processed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe an action that was ongoing at a specific point in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, but most frequently appears in news and media. When writing, it's important to differentiate between actions in progress ("") and those that are completed (""). Related phrases such as "was undergoing processing" or "was under review" can provide alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was undergoing processing

This alternative maintains the same passive voice but replaces "being processed" with "undergoing processing", emphasizing the continuous nature of the action.

was in the process of being processed

This phrase adds emphasis on the state of something currently going through the action.

was under review

This alternative suggests a formal examination or assessment is taking place.

was being handled

This implies that someone or something is managing or dealing with the item or situation.

was subject to processing

This is a more formal way of saying something was being treated or operated on.

was in the works

This suggests that something is in development or is being actively prepared.

was going through the process

This emphasizes that something is navigating a series of steps or procedures.

was being worked on

This alternative indicates active effort and attention being applied to something.

was being dealt with

This suggests action is being taken to resolve or manage a situation.

was in the course of processing

A formal alternative indicating that the action was underway.

FAQs

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

Use "was being processed" to describe an action that was ongoing at a particular time in the past. For example, "The application "was being processed" when new regulations were introduced".

What's a simpler way to say "was being processed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was under review" or "was being handled" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "is being processed" instead of "was being processed"?

The correct tense depends on the time frame you're describing. Use "is being processed" for actions happening now, and "was being processed" for actions that were happening at a specific time in the past.

Which is correct, "the payment was processed" or "the payment was being processed"?

"The payment was processed" indicates the action is complete. "The payment "was being processed"" indicates the action was ongoing at a certain time. Choose the option that best reflects the state of the action you're describing.