was being started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was in progress in the past, particularly when emphasizing the ongoing nature of the action at that time. Example: "The project was being started when the funding was unexpectedly cut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Norman Brownstein joined the Global Crossing board in May 2000 just as ITU was being started.

The New York Times

The seventh hole was being started Sunday and officials did not estimate when it may be completed.

The New York Times

The board's spokeswoman, Naomi Bernstein, said the election was being started as if Primary Day never happened.

The New York Times

Chrysler told the safety agency that a software problem could instruct the transmission to shift into neutral when the vehicle was being started.

The New York Times

He said he called Edward Rust, the chief executive of State Farm, on July 15 to tell him that an investigation was being started.

The New York Times

She asked them to put up a poster in the firehouse telling that a symphoney orchestra was being started in the Housing Authority and musicians were needed, particularly for a string section.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He was was started on intravenous levofloxacin 500 mg, with resolution of the fever by the next day.

BMC Infectious Diseases

New relief efforts are being started in New York every day.

The New York Times

A similar scheme is being started in Newham in January.

The Guardian

Mines have closed and fewer new projects are being started.

The New York Times

Simultaneously, more spectacular railroad tunnels were being started through the Alps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being started" to describe a process that was underway but not yet complete at a specific point in the past. This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "was being started" when a simple past tense (e.g., "was started") is more appropriate. Use "was started" when describing a completed action in the past, rather than an ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

"Was being started" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase. It describes an action that was in progress in the past. The passive voice indicates that the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being started" is a grammatically correct passive progressive verb phrase used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it is more common in news and media, and scientific contexts. When choosing this phrase, consider whether a simpler past tense might be more appropriate, and be mindful of maintaining a consistent tense throughout your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being initiated

Suggests a more formal or structured beginning.

was in the process of beginning

Rephrases to focus on the act of beginning as a process.

was in the initial stages of

Highlights the early phase of the activity.

was commencing

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the beginning.

was getting underway

Emphasizes the launch or start of something.

was getting off the ground

Emphasizes the initial effort to launch a project or initiative.

was taking shape

Focuses on the gradual development from the start.

was being triggered

Highlights the cause of the action.

was germinating

Suggests a slow, organic beginning (often used metaphorically).

was in its infancy

Describes something in its very early stages.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was being started" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "was being initiated" or "was commencing". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

When is it better to use "was started" instead of "was being started"?

"Was started" is appropriate when the action is completed in the past. "Was being started" implies the action was in progress at a particular time. For example, "The engine was started" versus "The engine was being started when the mechanic arrived."

What are some less formal alternatives to "was being started"?

Informal alternatives include "was getting started" or "was getting underway", which are more conversational and relaxed.

Is "was being started" always grammatically correct?

While grammatically correct, "was being started" can sometimes sound awkward if a simpler construction like "began" or "was initiated" conveys the meaning more directly. Choose the phrasing that best suits the context and desired tone.