had been configured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been configured" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state or condition that was established in the past and may still be relevant or have effects in the present. Example: "The system had been configured to optimize performance before the update was applied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The original treatment, they discovered, had been configured along strictly 'proletarian' lines.

The Guardian

The structure and its stilling basin had been configured to dissipate energy — but not nearly so much energy.

The New Yorker

You do not know?" Lesbianism in the seventies had been configured as a loving sisterhood in which sex was less important than consciousness-raising.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday, a senior BP official testified that emergency equipment at the top of the well had been configured improperly and therefore delayed the response effort.

The New York Times

Mr. Weeks could control his entire system with a single remote that had been configured to his specifications by one of Mr. Stearns's technicians.

The New York Times

But it was a significant discovery nonetheless: the gun barrel had been configured to vent the air displaced by the hollow uranium projectile when it was fired toward its target.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Refiners, for more than 50 years, have been configured to make gasoline," he said.

The New York Times

The envelopes and forms may not have been configured in the right sequence.

The New York Times

Apps have been configured to work with iCloud: Mail, Calendar, etc.

The New York Times

Three seven-foot-tall gallery windows have been configured as street shrines, platforms for candles, flowers and toys.

The New York Times

It connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth or over Wi-Fi, once a network has been configured.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been configured", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what performed the configuration and the time frame in which it occurred. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clear understanding of the setup.

Common error

Avoid using "had been configured" without specifying the purpose or outcome of the configuration. Providing details about what was achieved by the configuration enhances clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been configured" functions as a past perfect passive construction. It indicates that an action of configuring was completed before a specific point in the past. This is evidenced by Ludwig examples demonstrating various systems and devices that underwent specific setup procedures before a certain time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had been configured" is a past perfect passive construction used to describe a prior setup or arrangement with relevance to a subsequent event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and scientific journals. It indicates that a system, device, or environment was prepared or arranged in a specific way before a particular point in the past. Alternatives include "was set up" or "was arranged". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what performed the configuration and the intended outcome. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, from news reporting to technical documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was set up

Uses a phrasal verb with a similar meaning, implying a prior arrangement or preparation.

was arranged

Emphasizes the organization and planning aspect of the configuration.

was prepared

Focuses on the readiness or state of being ready due to prior configuration.

was customized

Highlights the adaptation or modification to specific needs or preferences.

was programmed

Suggests a more technical setup, particularly in the context of software or machinery.

was designed

Implies an intentional creation or layout for a specific purpose.

was adapted

Stresses the modification of something to suit new conditions.

was formatted

Specifically relates to the arrangement and structure, often in digital contexts.

was structured

Focuses on the organization and layout of components or elements.

was built

Emphasizes the creation or construction of something according to a plan.

FAQs

How is "had been configured" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "had been configured" is used to describe something that was set up or arranged in a specific way at a time before the present. For example, "The system "had been configured" to optimize performance."

What are some alternatives to "had been configured"?

Alternatives include "was set up", "was arranged", or "was prepared", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "had been configured" formal or informal?

The phrase "had been configured" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional, technical, and academic writing, though it can also appear in news reports and other types of writing.

What's the difference between "had been configured" and "was configured"?

"Had been configured" indicates that the configuration occurred at a point in the past before another point in the past or before the present. "Was configured" simply indicates that the configuration happened in the past, without necessarily implying a specific order of events.