been for some time

USAGE SUMMARY

"been for some time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been existing or occurring for a period of time. For example: This issue has been for some time, so we need to come up with a solution quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It has not been for some time.

The New York Times

Perry has been, for some time, virtually critic-proof.

The New Yorker

They are the biggest promoter in the country, and they have been for some time now.

Princeton University

Succession at AIG is totally planned and has been for some time.

The Economist

Three of us are now widows, and have been for some time.

The New York Times

In fact, there has been for some time a scandal-foreordained feel to this audit.

The New York Times

This is Bloom's style — or "affect," as he might say — and has been for some time.

The New York Times - Books

No one was there, and it was clear no one had been for some time.

The New York Times - Health

That is, they are the most miserable, and have been for some time.

The New York Times

But it's not doing well, and has not been for some time.

The New York Times

The press is more pro-de Gaulle than it has been for some time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been for some time" to emphasize the duration of a situation or condition, particularly when the length of time is relevant to the context. For example, "The company's profits have been declining for some time, requiring a strategic shift."

Common error

Avoid using "been for some time" in situations where the duration is irrelevant or obvious. For example, instead of saying "The weather has been nice for some time now", consider simply stating "The weather has been nice lately" if the specific duration isn't important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been for some time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically to indicate the duration of an action or state. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is often used to add emphasis to the length of time something has been occurring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been for some time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the duration of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively communicates that a state or action has persisted noticeably. To enhance writing, use this phrase to underscore the significance of duration, but avoid overuse in simple statements where the time frame is irrelevant. Alternatives include "existed for a while" or "long-standing", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Overall, "been for some time" is a versatile phrase for adding depth to descriptions of ongoing events or conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existed for a while

This alternative uses simpler language to convey a similar meaning of something having existed for a period.

present for a while

This alternative highlights the presence of something over a certain duration.

happening for some time

This alternative focuses on an event or process that has been ongoing.

prevailed for a period

This alternative suggests that a condition or situation has been dominant or widespread for some time.

ongoing for a period

Similar to "happening for some time", this emphasizes the continuous nature of an event.

in place for a while

This alternative suggests that something has been established or set up for some time.

in effect for a duration

This alternative emphasizes that something has been active or operational for a certain time.

long-standing

This alternative is a single word implying something has existed for a considerable time, suitable for describing situations, problems, or traditions.

established for a duration

This implies something has been firmly set in place or accepted for a specific period.

endured for some time

This alternative suggests that something has lasted or survived through a period, often implying difficulty or challenge.

FAQs

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

Use "been for some time" to indicate that a state, condition, or activity has existed or occurred over a notable duration. For example, "The project has "been delayed for some time", requiring a revised timeline."

What are some alternatives to "been for some time"?

Alternatives include "existed for a while", "prevailed for a period", or "long-standing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "been for some time" in formal writing?

Yes, "been for some time" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you need to emphasize the duration of a situation. However, consider more formal alternatives like "established for a duration" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "been for some time" and "recently"?

"Been for some time" indicates a duration of considerable length, whereas "recently" implies something that has occurred in the near past. The choice depends on the time frame you want to emphasize.