been stepped on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'been stepped on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something was literally stepped on (for example a bug or some food) or figuratively stepped on (for example, someone's feelings). Example: His pride had been stepped on after the publication of the unflattering article.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

His whole life has been stepped on had terrible experiences.

Princeton University

It had been stepped on by one of Mr. Graves's cows.

The New York Times

Only one of them has never been stepped on.

Los Angeles Times

They have been stepped on three times already today.

The New York Times

"For forty years, the Sunnis in Syria have been stepped on and humiliated.

The New Yorker

Then there's the visual pun: a stepladder that has been stepped on and destroyed.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The cheater's block I'm stepping on also helps.

Los Angeles Times

She was also concerned that she might have been stepping on Jez, my partner's toes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The two retail giants have been stepping on each other's toes lately.

Forbes

"We used to be stepped on.

The New York Times

Inevitably, toes were stepped on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been stepped on" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or treated unfairly, whether literally or figuratively. For instance, you can say "His dreams had been stepped on by harsh realities."

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "been stepped on". Ensure the subject receiving the action is clear and relevant. Overuse can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been stepped on" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has received the action of being stepped on. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing situations where something is literally or figuratively trampled.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been stepped on" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that describes a state of being literally or figuratively trampled upon. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using "been stepped on", ensure the subject receiving the action is clear. Semantically related alternatives include "been trampled on", "been oppressed", and "been marginalized", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to use it appropriately to convey a sense of violation or unfair treatment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been trampled on

Replaces "stepped on" with a synonym indicating heavier force or repeated stepping.

been oppressed

Shifts the meaning to a state of being subjected to unjust treatment or control.

been suppressed

Implies that something has been forcibly put to an end.

been dominated

Suggests being controlled or ruled by someone or something else.

been exploited

Highlights the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

been taken advantage of

Focuses on the opportunistic use of someone's vulnerability.

been marginalized

Indicates being pushed to the edges of society or a group.

been disregarded

Emphasizes being ignored or treated as unimportant.

been overlooked

Highlights the failure to notice or consider someone or something.

been slighted

Indicates having been treated with disrespect or indifference.

FAQs

How can I use "been stepped on" in a sentence?

You can use "been stepped on" to describe something that has been literally trampled or, more often, to describe someone whose rights or feelings have been disregarded. For example, "Her proposal had "been stepped on" during the meeting".

What is a figurative meaning of "been stepped on"?

Figuratively, "been stepped on" means that someone's ideas, rights, or feelings have been ignored or treated disrespectfully. It conveys a sense of being undervalued or oppressed.

Which is correct, "been stepped on" or "was stepped on"?

Both "been stepped on" and "was stepped on" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Was stepped on" indicates a single, completed action in the past, while "been stepped on" suggests a state resulting from a past action that continues to affect the present.

What can I say instead of "been stepped on"?

Alternatives include "been trampled on", "been oppressed", or "been marginalized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.