been delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been delicate" can be correct and usable in written English.
It is the past participle form of the verb "be" and can be used as part of a verb phrase to describe a state or condition that has persisted in the past. For example: "Her health had been delicate ever since she was a child, but she never let it hold her back from pursuing her dreams." In this sentence, "been delicate" is used to describe the state of the person's health in the past. It indicates that their health condition existed and continued for a period of time in the past, but is not currently ongoing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

His health might have been delicate.

The Economist

Skilling's emotional state has been delicate since he left Enron.

The Washington Post

Relations between Mr Cameron and the Tory associations have always been delicate therefore.

The Economist

The relations of satirists to the law have always been delicate and complex.

Britannica

However the balance achieved by the treaty has always been delicate, including in Asia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Relations with the United Arab Emirates have long been delicate for the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The balance is delicate.

The New Yorker

Desserts are delicate marvels.

The New York Times

Endings are delicate.

The New York Times - Arts

It was delicate.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Chanterelles are delicate.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been delicate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as delicate, whether it's a situation, a person's health, or an object. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "been delicate" to describe something currently happening. This phrase indicates a state that existed in the past. For present situations, use "is delicate" or "has been delicate recently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been delicate" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically in the present perfect or past perfect tense. It describes a state or condition that has existed over a period of time. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been delicate" is a common verb phrase used to describe a past state of fragility, sensitivity, or precariousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, predominantly within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a past condition and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, choosing synonyms like "sensitive" or "fragile" as appropriate. Remember to avoid using it for present conditions, where "is delicate" would be more fitting. Its prevalent use across various authoritative sources demonstrates its broad acceptability and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been sensitive

Replaces "delicate" with "sensitive", focusing on emotional or reactive vulnerability.

had been fragile

Substitutes "delicate" with "fragile", emphasizing physical or structural weakness.

has been precarious

Uses "precarious" instead of "delicate", highlighting instability or risk.

was always sensitive

Emphasizes a consistent state of sensitivity rather than a condition that 'has been'.

had remained critical

Suggests a more severe state of being critical or crucial, implying vulnerability.

has been touchy

Replaces "delicate" with "touchy", emphasizing the potential for causing offense or problems.

has been unstable

Substitutes "delicate" with "unstable", focusing on a lack of firmness or consistency.

had been handled with care

Shifts focus from the state to the action taken, emphasizing careful treatment.

has required careful handling

Similar to above, stressing the necessity for cautious management.

was a sensitive issue

Changes the structure, focusing on the issue's nature rather than a continuous state.

FAQs

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

Use "been delicate" to describe something that was fragile, sensitive, or required careful handling in the past. For example, "The negotiations have "been delicate" due to the conflicting interests of the parties involved".

What are some synonyms for "been delicate"?

Alternatives include "has been sensitive", "had been fragile", or "has been precarious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing emotional vulnerability, physical weakness, or instability.

Is it correct to say "is been delicate"?

No, "is been delicate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct construction is "has been delicate" or "had been delicate", depending on the time frame you are referring to.

What's the difference between "been delicate" and "is delicate"?

"Been delicate" implies a state that existed in the past and may or may not continue. "Is delicate" describes a current state. For example, "Her health has "been delicate" for years" (past) versus "This matter is "delicate" and requires careful handling" (present).