been unreachable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been unreachable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has not been able to be contacted or reached for a period of time. Example: "I apologize for my absence; I have been unreachable due to a lack of phone service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He has since been unreachable.

The New York Times

Mr. Ebbers has been unreachable for comment in recent days.

The New York Times

The family is now worried about Mr. Deng's safety because he has been unreachable since Sunday night.

The New York Times

U2 were learning to infuse their music with a sensibility that had been unreachable in their religious lives — a kind of militant surrendering.

The New Yorker

Back on Long Island, Ms. Brown said, Mr. Kudlik apologized profusely and said that he had been unreachable in Mississippi because he had been too busy working.

The New York Times

The tech opens up the possibility of providing seamless connectivity anywhere, giving business reliable online access to markets in parts of the world that have otherwise been unreachable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It is unreachable.

The Guardian

HOW many are unreachable or missing?

The New York Times

But everyone assumed it was unreachable.

The New York Times

Homer himself is unreachable and unaccountable.

The New Yorker

Mingus Rude was unreachable, blurred, maybe high, Dylan saw now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been unreachable", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the lack of contact, whether it's due to technical issues, travel, or other circumstances. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "been unreachable" when you mean someone is "unapproachable" due to their personality or status. "Unreachable" refers to a physical or communicative barrier, while "unapproachable" refers to a social or emotional one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been unreachable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, typically describing a person or entity that could not be contacted or accessed. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been unreachable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the state of being impossible to contact or access. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across various domains, especially news media. While various alternatives exist, such as "been unavailable" or "been uncontactable", the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. Pay attention to avoiding confusion with "unapproachable", and you'll confidently and effectively use this descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been uncontactable

Direct synonym, emphasizing the inability to make contact.

been unavailable

Focuses on the lack of availability, rather than the difficulty in reaching.

couldn't be reached

Passive voice construction of the original phrase, conveying the same meaning.

been out of touch

Implies a lack of communication over a period of time.

been out of contact

Similar to "out of touch", but slightly more direct.

been incommunicado

More formal and emphatic, suggesting a deliberate cut-off from communication.

been inaccessible

Highlights the inability to access someone or something.

been off the grid

Suggests a deliberate removal from conventional communication systems.

been beyond reach

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching someone, often in a metaphorical sense.

been isolated

Focuses on physical or communicative isolation, leading to unreachability.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone has "been unreachable"?

When someone has "been unreachable", it means they have been impossible to contact or communicate with, often due to a lack of access to communication methods or being in a location where communication is difficult.

What can I say instead of "been unreachable"?

You can use alternatives like "been uncontactable", "been unavailable", or "been out of touch" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has been unreachable" or "has been unreached"?

"Has been unreachable" is the correct and more common phrase to describe someone who could not be contacted. "Unreached" generally refers to something not yet attained or accomplished.

How do I use "been unreachable" in a sentence?

You can use "been unreachable" in a sentence like, "The family was worried because he had "been unreachable" since Sunday night", indicating they couldn't contact him.