been alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been alert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being watchful or attentive, often in the context of being aware of potential dangers or important information. Example: "I have been alert to any changes in the environment since the warning was issued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He'd always been alert and attentive to Hadley.

The New Yorker

I should have been alert and alive to it.

The New Yorker

The judges have not always been alert in this tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

At home, we have not been alert enough to the risks of division between communities.

Independent

Hardliners have always been alert for signs of weakness in unionist leadership.

The Economist

Policymakers should have been alert to the likelihood of this mediocre outcome.

The Guardian - Business

American evangelicals, with their congregational instinct, have been alert to the usefulness of the worldwide web.

The Guardian - Books

Since being taken off sedation, Giffords has been alert and is opening her eyes more often.

The Guardian

Here the performers might have been alert atoms moving through space in orderly but unpredictable progressions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We've only been alerted".

The New Yorker

Be alert of alertness.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been alert" when you want to emphasize a state of readiness and attentiveness over a period of time. It's suitable for describing someone's consistent awareness of their surroundings or a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "been alert" when describing a one-time event or a very short period of awareness. Opt for phrases like "was alert" or "became alert" to indicate a specific instance of vigilance rather than a continuous state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been alert" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being watchful and attentive over a period of time. It suggests a consistent awareness of potential dangers or important information, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been alert" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase signifying a state of ongoing watchfulness and attentiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers various examples from reputable sources. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively conveys that someone or something has maintained vigilance over a period. While alternatives like "remained vigilant" or "stayed attentive" exist, "been alert" provides a clear and concise way to express sustained awareness. Remember to use it when describing an ongoing state rather than a singular event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained vigilant

Focuses on maintaining a state of watchfulness over time.

stayed attentive

Emphasizes focus and attention to detail.

kept watch

Implies a continuous observation for potential threats.

were watchful

Highlights a cautious and observant state.

remained observant

Stresses the act of noticing and paying attention to details.

were on guard

Emphasizes readiness to respond to potential danger.

stayed aware

Indicates a general consciousness and understanding of surroundings.

maintained vigilance

Highlights the act of actively keeping a watchful state.

remained conscious

Focuses on the awareness of one's surroundings or situation.

were perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand or notice things quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "been alert" in a sentence?

You can use "been alert" to describe a state of watchfulness or attentiveness over time. For example: "The security team has "been alert" to any suspicious activity since the warning was issued".

What are some alternatives to "been alert"?

Alternatives include "remained vigilant", "stayed attentive", or "kept watch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was alert" or "been alert"?

"Was alert" describes a state of alertness at a specific point in time, while "been alert" describes a state that has persisted over a period. Choose the option that best fits the context.

What does "been alert" mean?

"Been alert" signifies that someone or something has maintained a state of awareness, readiness, or vigilance for a certain duration. It implies a continuous or repeated state of attentiveness.