were being transmitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were being transmitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that was ongoing in the past, particularly in a passive voice context where something was being sent or communicated. Example: "The data were being transmitted to the server when the connection was lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

These fluctuations were being transmitted to the chlorine cycle in the older plant, posing a safety hazard in both facilities.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Millions of invisible bits of data were being transmitted through underground cable wires and satellite networks, and I was their sole subject and object of concern.

The New Yorker

Another contained recordings of engineering data that were being transmitted to Mission Control as well as two channels of the astronauts' voices.

The New York Times

Even if signals were being transmitted, we may not know how to decode them – just as an old-fashioned radio engineer familiar only with amplitude-modulation might have a hard time decoding modern digital communications.

The Guardian

Stephen Chan, professor of International Relations at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, argues that it took the government in Zimbabwe all of three months to rig the results of its first election in 2008, because the real results were being transmitted from polling stations by mobile phone faster than they could be faked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All those instructions were being transmitted to them and it was essential they got them right.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In other words, no information is being transmitted.

Britannica

What, according to Dr. Andrew Whiten, is being "transmitted" in the Forest Troop? m.

The New York Times

This indicates that retroviral particles are being transmitted in the mother's milk.

Nature

Ebola is being transmitted in worryingly large numbers in Mai-Mai-controlled suburbs of Butembo.

The Washington Post

That convinced the authorities that the virus was being transmitted from person to person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were being transmitted" when you want to emphasize the ongoing process of something being sent or conveyed in the past. It is especially useful in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "were being transmitted" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "Signals were being transmitted by the station", consider "The station was transmitting signals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were being transmitted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something was in the process of being sent or conveyed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound and usable phrase. The examples illustrate various contexts where data, signals, or even misconceptions were being transmitted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were being transmitted" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an action of transferring something in the past, specifically emphasizing that this was an ongoing process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds applications across diverse fields, including science, media, and academia. While simpler alternatives exist for less formal contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral tone and is suitable for a wide range of writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were conveyed

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate the transfer of information or signals.

were communicated

This option emphasizes the act of sharing or exchanging information.

were broadcast

This term is more specific, suggesting transmission to a wide audience.

were relayed

This implies the information passed through an intermediary.

were sent

A simpler and more direct alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

were dispatched

This suggests a more formal or official sending of something.

were channeled

This alternative conveys the idea of being directed through a specific path or medium.

were directed

Implies a controlled transmission towards a specific recipient or destination.

were passed on

A more informal way of saying something was transmitted to another person or entity.

were spread

This option is best when describing the wide dissemination of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were being transmitted" for brevity?

Consider using simpler alternatives like "were sent" or "were relayed", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "were being transmitted" and "were transmitted"?

"Were being transmitted" indicates an ongoing process in the past, while "were transmitted" simply states that the transmission occurred at some point in the past. The former emphasizes the duration of the action.

Is "were being transmitted" formal or informal?

The phrase "were being transmitted" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.

What are some synonyms for "were being transmitted" in a technical context?

In technical contexts, you might use alternatives like "were conveyed", "were relayed", or "were broadcast" to describe the sending of data or signals.