was being written

USAGE SUMMARY

"was being written" is correct and usable in written English.
You use this construction to indicate an action that was in progress at a certain point in the past. For example: The novel was being written when the author tragically passed away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the way poetry was being written had changed too.

The Economist

A different kind of history was being written, once again.

The New Yorker

As this post was being written, England's own bowlers were fighting back.

The Economist

But the cassette's epitaph was being written with the arrival of the compact disc.

The New York Times

That became a shadow to the screenplay as it was being written.

The New York Times

A month before his first triumph in Iowa, his campaign was being written off.

The Economist

I guess their cheque to Fifa hadn't cleared when this script was being written.

The Guardian - Film

He knew he was being written out of literature, and, being unwilling to compromise, he left.

The Guardian - Books

The Germans won in the 1990s when the euro rule book was being written.

The Guardian

"I saw the fingers moving, but I did not know what was being written," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Many more are being written.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being written" to describe actions in the past that were ongoing and emphasize the process rather than completion. For example, "The report "was being written" while the negotiations continued".

Common error

Avoid using "was written" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the writing process. "Was written" implies completion, while "was being written" focuses on the action in progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being written" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous passive voice. It indicates that an action (writing) was in progress at a specific time in the past, and the subject of the sentence was the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI confirms this structure aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being written" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an action of writing that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that this passive voice construction is a valid part of English grammar and its frequency of use. It is most frequently found in news media and academic writing, signifying its neutrality and versatility. Remember to differentiate between "was being written" (ongoing action) and "was written" (completed action). Also, be aware of the potential to use alternatives like "was in the process of being written" when a stronger emphasis on the process is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was in the process of being written

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the writing activity.

was under development

Highlights the aspect of gradual progression and evolution.

was being composed

Implies a more artistic or deliberate crafting process.

was in the course of writing

Stresses the continuous action of writing over a period.

was getting written

A more informal way to express the ongoing writing action.

was being drafted

Focuses on the initial stages and formulation of the writing.

was being authored

Emphasizes the role of the writer or creator.

was in the works

A broader term that indicates something is being prepared or created.

was taking shape

Focuses on the gradual formation and organization of the written material.

was being formulated

Emphasizes the planning and structuring stages of writing.

FAQs

How to use "was being written" in a sentence?

Use "was being written" to describe a past action that was in progress. For example, "The legislation "was being written" during a period of intense public debate."

What can I say instead of "was being written"?

You can use alternatives like "was in the process of being written", "was under development", or "was being composed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was being written" or "was written"?

Both are correct, but they convey different meanings. "Was being written" describes an action in progress, while "was written" describes a completed action. Choose "was written" only if the act of writing is complete.

What's the difference between "was being written" and "had been written"?

"Was being written" indicates that the writing process was ongoing at a specific time in the past. "Had been written" implies that the writing process was completed before a specific time in the past.