was being shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was occurring in the past, particularly in a passive voice context, often related to filming or photography. Example: "While the scene was being shot, the crew made sure to capture every detail perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was being shot at.

The New York Times

Did she know McCabe was being shot?

The New York Times

He added: "I didn't notice I was being shot at.

The New York Times

The episode was being shot in Los Angeles this week.

The New York Times

Sound technology arrived even as the film was being shot, and dubbing was not yet possible.

The New York Times

Everyone was laughing, but I thought I was being shot at".

The New Yorker

He composed the song even as the movie was being shot.

The New York Times

"I was being shot at and she was doing whatever she did, I don't know.

The New York Times

In fact, the film was being shot thousands of feet below the glaciers.

The New York Times

The party was taking place as an episode was being shot a few blocks away.

The New York Times

The next thing he knew was being shot twice through the knee.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being shot" to describe an ongoing action in the past where someone or something is the recipient of gunfire or filming, ensuring clarity regarding the passive nature of the event. For example, "He claimed he "was being shot" at, so he sped away".

Common error

Avoid using "was being shot" when you mean to describe the shooter's action. Ensure the subject is the recipient, not the initiator, of the shooting. For instance, it's incorrect to say "The sniper "was being shot" at the target"; instead, say "The sniper was shooting at the target."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being shot" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action, whether it be from gunfire or a camera. Ludwig examples show it used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was being shot" is a versatile passive construction indicating that a subject received gunfire or was in the process of being filmed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. When using "was being shot", ensure the subject is the recipient of the action, not the initiator, and consider context to determine the most appropriate synonym, such as "came under fire" or "was being filmed". Remember, correct usage maintains clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was getting attacked

Emphasizes the process of being assaulted, more general than gunfire.

was under attack

Similar to getting attacked, but can refer to a broader range of assaults.

came under fire

Focuses on the experience of being targeted by gunfire, more concise.

was hit by gunfire

Highlights the impact of bullets, focusing on the event.

was fired upon

A more formal way of saying someone was shot at.

was on the receiving end of gunfire

Emphasizes the action from the shooter's perspective.

sustained gunshot wounds

Focuses on the resulting injuries from being shot.

was the subject of gunfire

A formal, descriptive alternative focusing on the action.

was in the line of fire

Describes being in a dangerous position where one could be shot.

was targeted

Implies intention and pre-selection as a victim.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was being shot" describes a past action where someone or something is the recipient of gunfire or is in the process of being filmed. For example: "He said he "was being shot" at by the police."

What's a synonym for "was being shot"?

Alternatives to "was being shot" include "came under fire", "was fired upon", or "was getting attacked" depending on the context.

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

The choice between "is being shot" and "was being shot" depends on the timeframe. "Is being shot" refers to an action happening now, while "was being shot" refers to an action that occurred in the past. For example, "The movie scene is being shot now" vs. "The movie scene "was being shot" yesterday".

Can "was being shot" refer to filming a movie?

Yes, "was being shot" can refer to filming. For example, "The scene "was being shot" on location in New York City". In this context, alternatives include "was being filmed" or "was being recorded".