were being implemented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were being implemented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or processes that were in progress in the past, often in a passive voice context. Example: "The new policies were being implemented to improve workplace efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An experimenter was present in all classrooms throughout implementation to ensure the materials were being implemented, assess student reactions, and handle technological obstacles (e.g., game freezing).

International Journal of STEM Education

Several industry insiders said many of the MPs' recommendations were being implemented under those agreements.

The Guardian

Other financial advisers are also worried that changes were being implemented too close to the bone.

Independent

Baly said that while educational programs were being implemented in middle schools and for coaches and parents, no additional money had been set aside to pay for them.

The New York Times - Sports

Thames has consistently accepted and admitted that although improvements to its training programmes were being implemented they had not been completed at the time of the accident.

The Guardian

When asked why it didn't know which recovery and conservation plans for species were being implemented, the environment department did not provide Guardian Australia with an explanation.

The Guardian

Built in a later, boxier architectural style, it radiates a solid, almost bureaucratic functionality, as if laws were being implemented somewhat cruelly inside.

The New York Times

"Thames has consistently accepted and admitted that although improvements to its training programmes were being implemented they had not been completed at the time of the accident," Mr Ballinger said.

The Guardian

A team of policy advisers and implementation/delivery staff to cover the main policy areas of the department and ensure that the priorities of the secretary of state were being implemented.

The Guardian

She said: "Free schools were being implemented in a terrible hurry, which led to Judith Kerr signing a lease like this, which effectively left their playground open to development.

The Guardian

In an independent study last month of 11 Bush signing statements, the government accountability office found that more than half of the laws were being implemented despite challenges from the president.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were being implemented", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being put into effect (e.g., "The new policies were being implemented").

Common error

Avoid using "were being implemented" when an active construction is more appropriate. If you want to emphasize who is doing the implementing, rewrite the sentence in the active voice (e.g., instead of "Changes were being implemented by the team", use "The team was implementing changes").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were being implemented" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that an action (implementation) was in progress at a specific time in the past. This suggests that something was actively being put into effect. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were being implemented" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions or processes that were in progress in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, to describe the ongoing enactment of plans and policies. When using this phrase, ensure the subject clearly indicates what's being put into effect and consider whether an active voice construction might be more appropriate to emphasize who is performing the implementation. Alternatives such as "were being executed" or "were being carried out" can add nuance depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were being executed

This alternative focuses more on the act of carrying out a plan or order, implying a direct action is underway.

were being carried out

This suggests a process is in progress, emphasizing the step-by-step nature of the action.

were being enforced

This implies that rules or regulations were actively being made compulsory.

were under implementation

This phrase emphasizes the state of being in the process of being put into effect.

were in the process of being applied

Focuses on the application stage, implying a more hands-on approach to making something effective.

were in the course of realization

This suggests that something is gradually becoming a reality or being achieved.

were being actioned

This alternative emphasizes the 'action' aspect, suggesting movement from planning to doing.

were being progressed

This term highlights forward movement and development in the implementation phase.

were being effectuated

This is a more formal way of saying that something was being brought into effect.

were being put into practice

This emphasizes the transition from theoretical plans to real-world application.

FAQs

How do I use "were being implemented" in a sentence?

"Were being implemented" is used to describe an ongoing process in the past. For example, "The new safety protocols "were being implemented" across all departments last quarter".

What are some alternatives to "were being implemented"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were being executed", "were being carried out", or "were under implementation".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were being implemented"?

While "were being implemented" is passive, consider using the active voice if you want to emphasize who performed the implementation. For example, instead of "The changes were being implemented by the manager", you could say "The manager was implementing the changes".

Can "were being implemented" be used for future actions?

No, "were being implemented" is a past tense phrase. For future actions, you would use "will be implemented" or "are going to be implemented".