been done before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been done before" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something has previously occurred or been accomplished. Example: "This idea has been done before, so we need to find a new approach." Alternative expressions include "previously accomplished" and "already executed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What has been done before?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It just hasn't been done before".

The New York Times

It has been done before, after all.

The New York Times

Has this been done before?

Harvard Business Review

"This hasn't been done before".

The New York Times

I'm surprised it hasn't been done before".

The New York Times

"It's never been done before," he said.

The New York Times

"Nothing like it has been done before".

The New York Times - Sports

Like that hasn't been done before!

The Guardian

How has it never been done before?

The Guardian - Film

This has all been done before.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been done before", be specific about what exactly has been done before to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "That's been done before", specify "That approach to marketing has been tried before, and it didn't yield positive results."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "It's been done before" without explaining the context or why it's relevant. This can shut down creativity and discussion without providing helpful information. Instead, offer constructive feedback or suggest alternative approaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been done before" functions as a past participle phrase, often used as a comment or a statement of fact. It indicates that something is not new or original. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common expression used to express lack of originality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been done before" is a common phrase used to indicate a lack of originality or novelty. It's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and academic contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to use it with context and constructive feedback. Alternatives include "already tried" or "previously executed", but these may carry slightly different nuances. Use "been done before" judiciously to avoid stifling creativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

already tried

Emphasizes a previous attempt or test.

previously executed

Focuses on the action of carrying out something in the past.

not novel

Highlights the lack of newness or originality.

lacks originality

Directly states the absence of original thought or creation.

nothing new under the sun

An idiomatic expression suggesting that everything has already been experienced or created.

treaded ground

Implies that the topic or area has been thoroughly explored before.

explored territory

Indicates that the subject has been previously investigated or examined.

old hat

Suggests something is outdated or uninteresting due to overuse.

commonplace

Describes something as ordinary and unremarkable.

run-of-the-mill

Signifies something as ordinary and lacking distinction.

FAQs

How can I use "been done before" in a sentence?

You can use "been done before" to express that something is not original or has already been attempted. For example, "That marketing strategy has "been done before", so we should consider a new approach."

What's a more formal alternative to "been done before"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "previously executed", "already implemented", or "previously attempted" over ""been done before"".

Is it always negative to say something has "been done before"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply a lack of originality, it can also serve as a starting point for improvement or adaptation. Acknowledging what has "been done before" can prevent repeating past mistakes.

What can I say instead of "been done before" to encourage innovation?

Instead of saying ""been done before"", try framing it as "Let's explore new possibilities" or "How can we improve upon existing solutions?" to foster a more creative and forward-thinking environment.