Peter F. answered • 10/22/22
Tutor
5.0
(34)
Professional, Published Writer and Writing Tutor
In terms of describing an occurrence, they both essentially mean the same thing. However, there is a difference when each phrase would be used. One would say something "was forced" when describing the action after it occurred, without relation to any other action.
Alice: Why did you hold the door open?
Bob: I was forced to do so by Charlie. He told me to do it with a gun to my head!
But if one wished to establish a better sense of relation to other occurrences, they may say "was being forced" instead.
Alice: How did Dave get to the jewels?
Bob: He went through the door as I was being forced by Charlie to hold it open.
Abhishek C.
if anyone says "was being forced" when describing the action after it occurred, without relation to any other action, will it imply a meaning that the force was applied, but the force may or may not have been successful ?
Report
12/29/22
Leah G.
This is a great answer to this question, but I would add that grammatically, the difference is that "was being forced" is written in the passive voice. Passive voice is generally avoided in writing. In his response, Peter demonstrates that there are exceptions to this rule and this is one of them. "was being forced" is more than just a passive phrase. It is commonly used in the way Peter described and is considered acceptable in formal and informal English. Thank you for your clear explanation Peter!10/24/22