been for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been for" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It is typically used to indicate a duration of time or a purpose related to a specific situation or condition. Example: "I have been for a long time interested in learning new languages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've always been for quantity.

The New Yorker

He's been for pro-abortion.

The New York Times

Haven't been for 20 years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Has been for years now.

The New Yorker

They have been for years.

The New York Times

I have been for years.

Independent

It hasn't been for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

It may have been for an umbrella.

The New York Times

He had been for the entire month.

The New York Times

She had been for quite a while.

The New Yorker

His concern has been for other people.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been for" to indicate duration, ensure the tense of the verb aligns with the context. For example, use "has been for" for ongoing states and "had been for" for states completed in the past.

Common error

Avoid using other prepositions besides "for" after "been" when you want to indicate support or duration. Saying "been with" or "been to" changes the meaning entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been for" functions primarily as a verb phrase combined with a preposition. It indicates either a duration of time or support for something. This is validated by Ludwig, which suggests the phrase is usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been for" is a versatile construction commonly used to express either a duration of time or support for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "been for", it's crucial to maintain the correct verb tense (e.g., "has been for" vs. "had been for") and avoid substituting "for" with other prepositions like "with" or "to", which alter the meaning. While alternatives such as "supported" or "lasted for" exist, they may not always be directly interchangeable, so context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supported

Focuses on actively endorsing or advocating for something.

campaigned for

Specifically relates to promoting a cause or candidate.

favored

Emphasizes a preference or inclination towards something.

voted for

Implies a formal act of support in an election or vote.

existed for

Highlights the duration of existence or prevalence.

lasted for

Stresses the period over which something has continued.

gone to

Indicates a past visit or attendance at a place or event.

traveled to

Emphasizes the act of journeying to a specific location.

longed for

Expresses a strong desire or yearning for something.

dreamed of

Suggests a hopeful aspiration or vision for the future.

FAQs

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

Use "been for" to indicate a duration of time, like "They have "been for" years". Alternatively, use it to express support, such as "He's always "been for" quantity".

What phrases are similar to "been for"?

Similar phrases include "supported", "favored" (when expressing support), and "existed for", "lasted for" (when indicating duration).

Is it correct to say "been with" instead of "been for"?

The phrases are not interchangeable. "Been with" implies association or relationship, while "been for" indicates support or duration. Choose based on your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "has been for" and "had been for"?

"Has been for" describes a state that continues to the present, whereas "had been for" describes a state that existed for a period in the past but no longer does.