are being used vs are used

Both phrases are correct, but they're used in different contexts. "Are being used" emphasizes the ongoing action of using something, while "are used" simply states that something is regularly or habitually used.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 25, 2024 • 15544 views

are being used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the ongoing action of using something.

Use "are being used" when you want to highlight the current or ongoing use of something. It emphasizes the action of using at the present moment.

Examples:

The new software updates are being used by the IT department.
The latest marketing strategies are being used to attract more customers.

Show examples from the web [+]

And now they are being used by Al-Shabab in Somalia.
They are helpful in ensuring that the stunning operator knows for how long the apparatus has been applied and what voltage and current are being used.
This clearly shows how European funds are being used.
This section does not apply to prototypes when they are being used for evaluation purposes.
The bikes are being used six times a day.
It is absolutely necessary to be clear about what chemicals are being used in the Union.
Under his responsibility schools are being used as makeshift prisons
We need to know which organizations are questioning him, how long the interrogations last, and what methods are being used.
How many mice are being used for this purpose in each of these EU Member States per year? 3.
the animals are being used for scientific research;
The opinion concludes that numerous additives are being used to increase the attractiveness and addictiveness of tobacco products'.
We have the right to know what our taxes are being used for and why.
If personal data of European gmail subscribers are being used by third countries, notably the US, for law enforcement or security purposes, Directive 46/95/EC would not apply.
The same cannot be said, however, for the way funds are being used on social measures, and this is where there are problems.
What I would like to know is for what, precisely, these EUR 40 million are being used.
Through their inaction, they are turning into accomplices in crimes and are being used solely for political racketeering of nonconformists.
They clearly benefit from developments in technology and the information market, but at the same time they need protection when new systems are being used.
Now that NATO no longer needs as much benzine, its pipelines are being used for the commercial trade in petroleum products instead.
Minors are being used as child soldiers.
You are being used, Gabriel, as was I.

Alternatives:

are currently being used
are actively being used
are in use
are being utilized
are being employed

are used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is habitually or regularly used.

Use "are used" to state that something is habitually or regularly used without emphasizing the ongoing action. It simply indicates the general state of use.