as having been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as having been" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a state or condition that has existed in the past and is relevant to the present context. Example: "The project was recognized as having been a significant contribution to the field of research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maria is mentioned as having been "recuperating".

The New Yorker

Sometimes it is described as having been designed, and sometimes as having been invented.

The New York Times - Arts

He describes himself as having been a bad boy.

The New York Times

The war is often seen as having been inevitable.

The New York Times

He recalls his stepfather as having been an outstanding teacher.

The New York Times - Arts

We never thought of them as having been born "elsewhere".

The New Yorker

Frank regards this project as having been strikingly successful.

The New Yorker

She's not regarded as having been personally corrupt.

The New Yorker

Three types of play are recorded as having been popular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hoffman thinks of his parents as having been sixties radicals.

The New Yorker

Many Israelis now view that position as having been shortsighted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as having been" to clearly indicate a past state or condition that is relevant to the present context, ensuring the meaning is precise and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as having been" when a simple past tense or past participle would be more concise and clear. For instance, instead of saying "it was viewed as having been successful", consider "it was viewed as successful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as having been" functions as part of a prepositional phrase within a larger clause. It introduces a description or categorization based on a past condition or state. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as having been" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to refer to a past state or condition, particularly when it influences present perceptions. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans across diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure it adds clarity and precision, avoiding redundancy with simpler past tense constructions. While versatile, consider synonyms like "considered to have been" or "regarded as having been" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered to have been

Focuses on the act of considering or regarding something in the past, adding a layer of judgment or opinion.

regarded as having been

Similar to 'considered to have been', but emphasizes the act of regarding or viewing something in a particular way.

described as having been

Highlights the act of describing something in the past, often used when reporting someone else's perspective.

known to have been

Implies a recognized or established fact about a past state or condition.

reported as having been

Indicates that something was reported or documented to have been a certain way in the past.

believed to have been

Suggests a belief or assumption about a past state, without necessarily implying certainty.

thought to have been

Similar to 'believed to have been', but can also imply a more casual or less formal opinion.

perceived as having been

Emphasizes the subjective experience or perception of a past state or condition.

understood to have been

Implies a shared or common understanding about a past state or event.

recognized as having been

Highlights the act of acknowledging or recognizing a past state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "as having been" in a sentence?

The phrase "as having been" is used to describe something that is viewed or considered to have existed or occurred in the past. For example, "The project was recognized "as having been" a significant contribution to the field".

What are some alternatives to "as having been"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "considered to be", "regarded as", or "described as" instead of "as having been". For instance, instead of "It was regarded "as having been" a success", you can say "It was regarded "as successful"".

Is it always necessary to use "as having been" when referring to a past state?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, a simpler past tense construction is sufficient and more concise. Using "as having been" is most appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is viewed or considered in a certain way based on its past state.

What's the difference between "as having been" and "as being"?

"As having been" refers to a state or action completed in the past, while "as being" refers to a state or action that is ongoing or continuous. For example, "He is known "as having been" a talented musician" (past talent), versus "He is known "as being" a dedicated teacher" (current role).