was being watched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being watched" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is in the passive voice and describes an action that was happening to the subject of the sentence. Example: He was being watched by the security cameras as he walked through the museum.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now he felt that he was being watched.

The New Yorker

Mr. Manton's decision was being watched for different reasons.

The New York Times

By this time, Karadžić was aware he was being watched.

The Guardian

"Ironically, he knew full well that he was being watched.

The New York Times

Or perhaps he suspected he was being watched.

The Guardian

He did not know it, but he was being watched.

The New York Times

I thought I was being watched all the time.

The Guardian - Books

An informant told the C.I.A. that Morgan's "every move was being watched by the Cuban military".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

You're being watched".

The New Yorker

Everyone is being watched.

The New York Times - Books

We are being watched.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being watched" to convey a sense of ongoing surveillance or observation, often implying a hidden or external observer. For instance, 'The suspect "was being watched" by undercover agents.'

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the focus should be on the subject being acted upon. Instead of 'Someone "was watching" him', use 'He "was being watched"' to emphasize the subject's experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being watched" functions as a passive construction of the verb 'watch' in the past continuous tense. According to Ludwig AI, this construction indicates that the subject of the sentence was receiving the action of being watched over a period of time in the past. It is used when the focus is on the receiver of the action rather than the performer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was being watched" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction indicating past observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that a subject was under surveillance, scrutiny, or observation in the past. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various narratives. While alternatives like "was under surveillance" or "was monitored" exist for more formal tones, "was being watched" remains a versatile and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was under surveillance

Emphasizes the active monitoring aspect.

was monitored

Focuses on the technical or systematic aspect of the observation.

was kept under observation

Highlights the methodical and prolonged nature of the watching.

was under scrutiny

Indicates a more critical and detailed form of watching.

was being followed

Specifies the watching as involving physical tracking.

was kept in view

Suggests continuous visual contact was maintained.

felt observed

Shifts the focus to the subjective feeling of being watched.

was having eyes on

Implies that someone was responsible to keep an eye on.

was on the radar

Indicates a preliminary stage of observation or interest.

was in sight

Indicates an observable status, although it doesn't necessarily implies to be being watched.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "was under surveillance" or "was kept under observation". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of official or professional monitoring.

What's the difference between "was being watched" and "felt watched"?

"Was being watched" implies an actual act of observation, whether known or unknown to the subject. In contrast, "felt watched" describes a subjective sensation of being observed, regardless of whether it's actually occurring. This could stem from paranoia, anxiety, or intuition.

Is "was being watched" appropriate for all types of writing?

Yes, "was being watched" is generally appropriate for most types of writing, from news reports to fiction. However, adjust the tone and context to suit the specific purpose and audience. More formal alternatives, like "was under scrutiny", may be better suited for academic or professional contexts.

When should I use "was being watched" instead of "is being watched"?

Use "was being watched" when describing a past event or state. For example, "Yesterday, the building "was being watched" by the police." Use "is being watched" for current or ongoing situations: "The suspect is currently being watched."