was still ongoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was still ongoing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that was continuing at a specific point in the past. Example: "The investigation was still ongoing when the new evidence was discovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fluoro-Jade C staining showed that neuronal degeneration was still ongoing.

Neuroscience

He said the operation, which began late on Thursday night, was still ongoing.

The Guardian

The person declined to be identified, because the investigation was still ongoing.

The Guardian - Sport

The FBI is assisting in the investigation, which was still ongoing late last week.

The Washington Post

The dispute was still ongoing  when the revolution erupted in 2011.

Independent

Toobin wonders why Nafissatou Diallo, Strauss-Kahn's accuser, filed civil charges while the criminal case was still ongoing.

The New Yorker

However a spokesman for the Met declined to comment on 'future developments' while the present investigation was still ongoing.

The Guardian

Even if he wasn't the real mission that day, the hunt for him was still ongoing and omnipresent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Paul Barrett, a dinosaur researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, expressed exasperation that the debate was still ongoing.

The Guardian

While the hostage crisis at the Bataclan was still ongoing, Hollande declared a state of emergency for all of France.

Britannica

Another substantial deterrent to bidders for the entire company was the controversy that was still ongoing related to the conduct of Black and his managerial subordinates.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was still ongoing", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe being referenced. Providing specific dates or events helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was still ongoing" in contexts where the continuation is already implied. For example, instead of saying "the project was still ongoing at that time," simply state "the project was ongoing," if the timeframe is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was still ongoing" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that an action, event, or process had commenced at some earlier point and persisted up to a specific time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this with its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was still ongoing" serves as a descriptive element that specifies the continuation of an action or event in the past. Its frequent use across diverse domains, from news and media to scientific research and encyclopedias, highlights its versatility and broad applicability. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English, making it a reliable choice for indicating the unfinished state of something at a specific point in time. When incorporating this phrase into writing, be sure to clearly indicate the timeframe to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained in progress

Replaces "ongoing" with "in progress", emphasizing the process aspect.

was continuing then

Simple rephrasing with the adverb 'then' for temporal focus.

continued to unfold

Uses more figurative language than the original phrase.

had not yet concluded

Focuses on the lack of completion.

persisted at that time

Emphasizes continuation and adds a temporal marker.

was yet to be completed

Emphasizes the future completion of the action.

was still in effect

Suitable when describing a rule, law, or agreement.

was being maintained

Focuses on the act of keeping something in a certain state.

carried on at the time

Informal and adds an element of time.

was in continuation

Formal and less common than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "was still ongoing" in a sentence?

Use "was still ongoing" to indicate that an action or event had started in the past and continued up to a specific point in time. For example, "The investigation "was still ongoing" when new evidence surfaced."

What are some alternatives to "was still ongoing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remained in progress", "continued to unfold", or "persisted at that time", which can add nuance to your writing depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "was still ongoing at that time"?

It can be. The phrase ""was still ongoing"" already implies a continuation, so adding "at that time" might be unnecessary if the timeframe is already clear. Consider whether the additional phrase adds value or if it can be omitted for conciseness.

What's the difference between "was still ongoing" and "is still ongoing"?

"Was still ongoing" refers to a past situation that was continuing at a specific point in the past. "Is still ongoing" refers to a present situation that began in the past and continues to the present. For example, "The review "was still ongoing" in 2010," versus, "The review "is still ongoing" today."