already been outflanked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already been outflanked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something has been surpassed or outmaneuvered, often in strategic or competitive situations. Example: "In the latest round of negotiations, we have already been outflanked by our competitors, who presented a more appealing offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They've already been outflanked.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

N.F.L. players resisted valiantly but, alas, they have been outflanked.

The New York Times - Sports

But the former president has steadily been outflanked.

The Economist

Stuckist school teachers who oppose Hugo Chávez have been outflanked.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the second time this year that Dassault has been outflanked by American competitors.

The New York Times

The Turner has been outflanked as standard-bearer of the new by far less worthwhile institutions.

The Guardian - Arts

The former governor is attempting to peel off conservative primary voters but has been outflanked by Bachmann and Cain.

Huffington Post

And UKIP can be outflanked.

The Economist

Paisley himself could never be outflanked.

Independent

Smith will not be outcampaigned, Goodell will not be outflanked.

The New York Times - Sports

Somehow, the Conservative is being outflanked on the right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already been outflanked" to describe situations where a strategic advantage has been lost due to an opponent's superior maneuvering. For example, in business, politics, or even personal negotiations, this phrase aptly captures the feeling of being strategically outdone.

Common error

Avoid using "already been outflanked" in situations where simple surpassing or exceeding is meant. This phrase specifically implies a strategic or tactical maneuver that led to a disadvantage, not just general improvement or progress. For example, instead of saying 'Our sales figures have already been outflanked by the competition', consider 'Our sales figures have already been surpassed by the competition' if there was no specific strategic misstep involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already been outflanked" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has been strategically overcome by an opponent. It denotes a completed action where someone has lost a competitive advantage due to tactical maneuvering.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "already been outflanked" is a phrase used to describe a completed action where someone has been strategically outmaneuvered or surpassed, leading to a disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and mostly appears in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to use it in situations involving strategy and tactical maneuvers, not just simple surpassing. Consider alternatives like "already been surpassed" or "already been outmaneuvered" depending on the intended nuance. The phrase has neutral register and it's suitable for professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

already been outmaneuvered

Highlights the tactical aspect of being outwitted or strategically overcome.

already been outwitted

Stresses the intellectual aspect of being outsmarted or deceived.

already been bested

Highlights the act of being defeated or outdone in a competition or contest.

already been surpassed

Focuses on exceeding a limit or expectation, changing the nuance from strategic maneuvering to exceeding a benchmark.

already been outdone

Focuses on performing better than someone else, emphasizing the superior achievement.

already been overtaken

Emphasizes the act of being passed or exceeded, often in a literal or figurative race.

already been circumvented

Focuses on avoiding or bypassing an obstacle or rule, suggesting a more indirect approach.

already been trumped

Implies being surpassed by something of greater value or importance.

already been defeated

Indicates a loss or failure in a competition or conflict, highlighting the outcome rather than the method.

already been eclipsed

Suggests a reduction in prominence or importance due to the success of another.

FAQs

How can I use "already been outflanked" in a sentence?

You can use "already been outflanked" to describe a situation where someone has been surpassed or defeated through strategic maneuvering. For example: "In the negotiations, we had "already been outflanked" by their clever proposal."

What is a synonym for "already been outflanked"?

Synonyms for "already been outflanked" include "already been outmaneuvered", "already been surpassed", or "already been overtaken", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "already be outflanked" instead of "already been outflanked"?

No, "already be outflanked" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "already been outflanked", which uses the present perfect passive voice.

What's the difference between "already been outflanked" and "being outflanked"?

"Already been outflanked" indicates a completed action in the past, while "being outflanked" describes an action that is currently happening or in progress. For example, "We have "already been outflanked"" versus "We are "being outflanked"."