been around

USAGE SUMMARY

"been around" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an adjective to describe something that has existed for a long time. Example sentence: The old church has been around since the 12th century.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He been around?

The New Yorker

"I'd been around".

The New York Times

I'd not really been around!

Independent

It has been around since.

The New York Times

"He's been around," Ryan says.

The New Yorker

Emotions have been around forever.

The New York Times - Books

Bumper-sticker politics has been around forever.

The New York Times

Temptation, obviously, has been around forever.

The New York Times

Barclays has been around for 320 years.

The New York Times

Such hedonism hasn't been around long.

Independent

"Short plays have been around forever".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been around" to subtly convey experience or longevity without explicitly stating years or qualifications. For example, instead of saying "He has 20 years of experience", you can say "He's been around."

Common error

Avoid using "been around" in highly formal writing where a more precise and professional tone is required. Opt for phrases like "extensive experience" or "long-standing tenure" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been around" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It typically indicates that the subject has existed for a considerable time or possesses significant experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys longevity or familiarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been around" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone or something has existed for a long time or has a lot of experience. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as an adjective phrase. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context, as it may be too informal for certain professional settings. Alternatives such as "extensive experience" or "long-standing tenure" may be more suitable in formal writing. With its frequent appearance in news and media, "been around" remains a valuable phrase for subtly conveying experience and longevity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has seen it all

Suggests extensive experience and exposure to a wide variety of situations, often implying a sense of weariness or resignation.

has existed for ages

Emphasizes the antiquity or long history of something, often used hyperbolically.

is seasoned

Implies maturity and expertise developed over time, similar to "been around" in indicating experience.

has been in the game

Specifically refers to being involved in a particular activity or field for a significant amount of time.

has experience

Focuses specifically on having gained knowledge or skill through practical involvement.

is no newcomer

Indicates that someone is not new to a particular field or activity, implying experience and familiarity.

has considerable exposure

Highlights having been subjected to a wide range of experiences or situations.

is an established presence

Implies a recognized and enduring role or position in a particular area.

is familiar with

Emphasizes knowledge and understanding of a particular subject or environment.

is long-standing

Highlights the extended duration or existence of something, similar to "been around" when referring to institutions or practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "been around" to indicate that someone or something has existed for a long time or has a lot of experience. For instance, "That restaurant has been around for decades", or "He's "seen it all", he's really been around."

What's a more formal way to say "been around"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "has extensive experience", "has a long history", or "is long-standing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "been around" in professional writing?

While "been around" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone you want to convey. More formal options might be preferable.

What does it mean when someone says "they've been around"?

It typically means that the person has a lot of experience, has witnessed many things, or has been in a particular field or environment for a significant period. It implies a level of knowledge and familiarity gained over time, similar to saying they "have experience".