a spell has been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spell has been" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a duration of time that has passed since a particular event or situation occurred. Example: "A spell has been cast over the village, causing strange occurrences to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A spell has been broken.

The Economist

A spell has been broken, a debutante lies dead at Emma's feet, frost clinging to her lifeless body, and a bright light is being cast into the cousins' shadowy past.

The Guardian

A spell has been cast.

Huffington Post

I am told that a spell has been placed on the girl that will force her to want me.

Vice

Once their manipulations get us to open the door, like a vampire they can invade us energetically, and it can feel as if a spell has been cast upon us.

Huffington Post

Here are a few examples of circumstances that can occur if such a spell has been cast: You fall ill for no apparent reason (and it's definitely not just the common cold).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A spell had been broken.

The New Yorker

His wife would have put something into the batter, the ash of a paper on which a spell had been written.

The New Yorker

Last month, perusing the library of an exceedingly famous cook, my eye fell upon a volume called Eat Fat and Grow Slim, and it was as if a spell had been broken.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rumour goes that the president's aunt had recently died and he suspected a spell had been cast on her.

BBC

He noticed his father's swollen hands and joints and explained this in terms of a spell having been cast on his father by someone who was jealous of his job.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a spell has been", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'spell' refers to, whether it's a period of time, a magical influence, or a specific condition. Consider alternative phrases like "a period has elapsed" if you want to avoid ambiguity or a more casual tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a spell has been" in contexts where the meaning of "spell" is unclear. For instance, if referring to a period of good weather, specify it as "a spell of good weather has been," or rephrase it to "the recent period of good weather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spell has been" functions as part of a clause, often introducing a description of a state or condition resulting from a past event or influence. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and generally acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a spell has been" is grammatically correct and can be used to indicate a period of time or influence of a condition, as validated by Ludwig. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears across various news and media outlets, as well as in some scientific and wiki sources, so it can be considered acceptable. When employing the phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period has elapsed

Replaces "spell" with "period" and "been" with "elapsed", focusing on the duration of time.

a duration has passed

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "duration" instead of "spell" to emphasize time.

a time has gone by

Replaces "spell" and "been" with simpler terms, making it more informal.

an interval has occurred

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a period of time.

some time has transpired

Employs more literary language to indicate the passing of time.

a hiatus has ensued

Replaces "spell" and "been" to refer to an interruption or gap that has happened.

a phase has unfolded

Refers to the development or progression of a specific period.

a chapter has closed

Metaphorically indicates the end of a significant time period.

a stage has concluded

Suggests the completion of a defined segment of time or activity.

a cycle has finished

Implies the end of a recurring series of events over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a spell has been" in a sentence?

You can use "a spell has been" to describe a period that has passed, or to indicate that a magical influence or condition has been present. For example, "A dry "spell" has been affecting the crops" or "A "spell" has been cast on the village".

What are some alternatives to "a spell has been"?

Alternatives include "a period has elapsed", "some time has passed", or, depending on the context, "a "curse has been"" if you're referring to a magical influence.

Is it more appropriate to say "a spell has been" or "a spell was"?

The choice depends on the context. "A spell has been" implies the effects are ongoing or relevant to the present, while "a spell was" suggests the effects are concluded. For example, "A dry "spell" has been affecting the crops" (ongoing), versus "A "spell" was broken" (completed).

Can "a spell has been" refer to something other than magic or time?

Yes, "a spell has been" can also refer to a situation or condition that exerts a strong influence. For instance, "A "spell" of good luck has been with them throughout the project".