always been mixed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always been mixed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or opinion that has consistently had varying or conflicting elements over time. Example: "The public's perception of the new policy has always been mixed, with some supporting it while others strongly oppose it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They've always been mixed".

The New York Times - Magazine

But Mr. Suharto's legacy has always been mixed.

The New York Times

Yeah, but jazz has always been like that, it's always been mixed with other shit.

The Guardian

Compliance with this guideline has always been mixed, with many primary care trusts [CCG predecessor bodies] also not following them.

The Guardian

But if the home meant protection and rest it also signified social status and aspiration: in Britain class has always been mixed in with bricks and mortar.

The Guardian - Books

He has occupied the spot on several occasions for the team during his career, though the results have always been mixed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Men and women need to police each other to ensure stereotypes are dodged: crews must always be mixed, people must always speak out.

The Guardian

This has always been a mixed area and we like it that way".

The Guardian

It is important for people to recognise that Britain has always been a mixed society, that black women have always played a role in this society.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps not, because in the western mind, beauty and cruelty have always been inextricably mixed in its perception of the city.

The Guardian - Travel

Diversity has always been a mixed blessing of the reality genre, which is one of the few opportunities on network television for working-class people to appear as themselves — as caricatures on the worst shows, but with brass and nuance on the best.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a long-standing situation with varied elements, use "always been mixed" to convey that this combination is not new or surprising. For example, "The response to his work has "always been mixed", reflecting its complex nature."

Common error

Avoid using "always been mixed" to describe a situation that has only recently become varied. This phrase implies a longer history of mixed elements, so ensure the context accurately reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always been mixed" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or situation. It indicates that there has been a continuous blend of different elements or opinions. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application in describing legacy, compliance, reaction, and population characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always been mixed" effectively conveys a lack of uniformity or consistency over a period of time. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, it describes scenarios with a blend of different elements or conflicting opinions. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for both general and professional writing. Use "always been mixed" to clearly signal that a situation has consistently had diverse or opposing aspects, setting expectations for its complex nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently been varied

Replaces "mixed" with "varied", emphasizing the changing nature of the elements involved.

invariably been diverse

Substitutes "mixed" with "diverse", highlighting the presence of different elements.

traditionally been assorted

Uses "assorted" instead of "mixed", suggesting a collection of different items.

historically been heterogeneous

Replaces "mixed" with "heterogeneous", indicating a lack of uniformity throughout history.

regularly been combined

Focuses on the combination aspect, using "combined" to replace "mixed".

frequently been jumbled

Emphasizes the disordered nature of the mix, using "jumbled" instead of "mixed".

commonly been amalgamated

Uses "amalgamated" to suggest a blending of different elements over time.

characteristically been blended

Replaces "mixed" with "blended", highlighting a smoother integration of elements.

typically been integrated

Highlights the merging of different elements, with a focus on the integration aspect.

customarily been conflated

Emphasizes a merging of elements to the point where they are indistinguishable.

FAQs

How can I use "always been mixed" in a sentence?

Use "always been mixed" to describe something that has consistently had a combination of different or opposing elements over time. For example, "The reviews for the restaurant have "always been mixed", with some praising the food and others criticizing the service."

What's a more formal alternative to "always been mixed"?

A more formal alternative could be "consistently varied" or "historically heterogeneous". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say 'has always been mixed' or 'have always been mixed'?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has always been mixed" for singular subjects (e.g., "The result has always been mixed"), and "have always been mixed" for plural subjects (e.g., "The results have always been mixed").

What does "always been mixed" imply about a situation?

It implies that the situation has never been uniform or consistent and that varying elements have been present throughout its history. For instance, "His feelings about the project have "always been mixed", reflecting his conflicting priorities."