was being set up

USAGE SUMMARY

"was being set up" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something was in the process of being established. For example: "The stage was being set up for the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I knew when I was being set up".

The New Yorker

Solinsky was being set up. "Are you kidding?

The New York Times - Sports

A shelter was being set up at the town offices.

The New York Times

He said a new bullying helpline was being set up at the BBC.

The Guardian

And he believed them — believed that he was being set up to be satirically cut down.

The New Yorker

I suppose I was being set up to cheer for her gruesome revenge.

The New Yorker

A new unit was being set up to go after the "godfathers of immigrant smuggling".

Independent

He didn't know that he was being set up for a series of punchlines.

The New Yorker

Knight believes that, like him, Madden was being set up to take the fall.

The Guardian - Film

I went into this eyes-open, I knew I was being set up as the baddie.

The Guardian

A 'Leopard' museum was being set up in one wing, but it wasn't open yet.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was being set up" to imply deception, ensure the context clearly indicates who is setting up whom and for what purpose. Lack of clarity can lead to misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "was being set up" when simply describing arrangements. Instead, clarify the intent; if it's not deceptive, use phrases like "was being arranged" or "was being prepared".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being set up" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it. It suggests an ongoing process where someone or something is being arranged, often with implications of manipulation, deception, or preparation, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being set up" is a versatile phrase frequently used to describe an ongoing action where someone or something is being arranged or prepared. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and can imply either a neutral process or, more often, a manipulative or deceptive scheme. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the intent to avoid misinterpretations, and consider alternative phrasing to align with desired tone and formality. Due to its nature it can easily cause misunderstanding or misinterpretations, so be careful and use it wisely. Finally, this phrase is frequently used in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was getting framed

Focuses specifically on the idea of being wrongly accused or made to look guilty.

was getting tricked

Highlights the deception aspect, emphasizing that someone is being fooled.

was the target of a scheme

Shifts the focus to a planned and often secret plan, rather than a general setup.

was being manipulated

Emphasizes the control aspect of the situation, indicating someone is being influenced unfairly.

was being schemed against

Alternative that highlights a plot of malicious intent.

was being established

Shifts the focus to the act of creating or founding something, rather than a deceptive setup.

was in the process of being created

Expands on "was being established" by providing a more descriptive alternative.

was under construction

Emphasizes the physical building or creation aspect, often used for structures or systems.

was being organized

Focuses on the arrangement and planning aspects, lacking the negative connotation of "set up".

was being prepared

Highlights the preparatory actions, indicating readiness for a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "was being set up" in a sentence?

You can use "was being set up" to describe a situation where someone or something is being arranged, often with a negative connotation of manipulation or deception. For example, "He felt he "was being set up" by his colleagues."

What's the difference between "was being set up" and "was being framed"?

"Was being set up" generally implies a broader scheme or manipulation, while "was being framed" specifically suggests someone is being made to look guilty of something they didn't do.

What can I say instead of "was being set up" to sound more formal?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was being manipulated", "was the target of a scheme", or "was subjected to deception".

Is it always negative to say something "was being set up"?

While often implying manipulation, the negativity depends on context. "A museum "was being set up"" is neutral, while "He "was being set up" by the police" suggests wrongdoing.