had been retarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been retarded" is grammatically correct but may be considered outdated or offensive in contemporary usage.
It can be used in historical contexts or discussions about past terminology related to intellectual disabilities, but caution is advised due to its potential to offend. Example: "In the early 20th century, many individuals had been retarded according to the standards of that time, which have since evolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We intended to test the drug sensitivity of T24 cells when the c-fos expression had been retarded in vivo by treating with the ODN that has been reported to be effective in blocking cellular c-Fos expression (Gibellini et al, 1997).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because the church fears the insights of science, technological progress has been retarded.

The New York Times - Books

However, the full development of preceramic polymer technology has been retarded because of two inherent problems.

FRC 2000–Composites for the Millennium Proceedings from the Eighth International Conference on Fibre Reinforced Composites, 13–15 September 2000, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

However, the metabolic engineering in C. glutamicum has been retarded due to lack of suitable vectors.

Plasmid

They seem to do best where the growth of newly emerging bracken has been retarded by frost.

The Guardian

"Growth has been retarded," he said, urging the banking sector to give equal access to women to a general pool of funds.

The Guardian

But carbon capture and storage technology remains complex and expensive, and its progress has been retarded by the lack of incentives for power plants to install and improve it.

The New Yorker

In addition, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the formation of the highly oxidized PANI might have been retarded through the addition of SiO2 particles.

Electrochimica Acta

Quite uniquely, in this sport the development of coaching systems has been retarded by the effects of the last decade". In his three years in cycling, Kerrison, a former swimming coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport, said he has been "massively" surprised by what he has found in terms of coaching, or the lack of it.

The Guardian - Sport

'To some extent the evolution of the PC has been retarded I think in the last few years so as we look forward in terms of where the PC has to continue to grow…it has to get more and more consumer friendly.' Intel plans to solve the problem with Ultrabooks.

The Guardian - Tech

He even asked one of the central questions confronting modern medicine, namely whether "death had already occurred after grave trauma to the brain, which has provoked deep unconsciousness and central breathing paralysis, the fatal consequences of which have been retarded by artificial respiration".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase "had been retarded" due to its potential to offend. Opt for more neutral or specific alternatives such as "delayed", "hindered", or "developmentally delayed" where appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "had been retarded" in contexts referring to individuals with intellectual disabilities. This phrasing is outdated and considered offensive. Instead, use respectful and accurate language such as "had an intellectual disability" or "experienced developmental delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been retarded" functions as a passive construction indicating that something or someone experienced a slowing or hindering of progress or development. The use of "had been" establishes a past perfect tense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had been retarded" is grammatically correct but carries a risk of causing offense, especially when referring to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Ludwig AI confirms that its use appears in various contexts, including scientific and news sources. It's essential to carefully consider the audience and context and opt for more neutral or specific alternatives such as "delayed", "hindered", or "developmentally delayed" when appropriate. When used insensitively, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cause offense, making mindful language choices crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been delayed

Focuses on a postponement or slowing of progress, rather than a state of reduced capacity.

had been hindered

Emphasizes obstruction or difficulty in making progress.

had been slowed

Highlights a reduction in speed or rate of progress.

had been impeded

Suggests a more forceful obstruction or prevention of progress.

had been hampered

Implies being held back or burdened, affecting progress.

had been impaired

Refers to a weakening or diminishing of function or ability.

had been underdeveloped

Indicates a state of incomplete or insufficient growth or development.

had been stunted

Suggests a restriction in growth or development, often due to adverse conditions.

had been held back

Focuses on the act of preventing someone or something from advancing.

had been kept back

Similar to "held back", emphasizing the act of preventing advancement or progress.

FAQs

Is "had been retarded" an appropriate phrase to use?

While grammatically correct, the term "retarded" is now considered offensive and outdated when referring to individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is best to use alternative phrases such as /s/had+an+intellectual+disability or /s/had+developmental+delays.

What are some neutral alternatives to "had been retarded"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like /s/had+been+delayed, /s/had+been+hindered, or /s/had+been+slowed to describe something that has been held back or made slower.

How has the usage of "retarded" changed over time?

Historically, "retarded" was used as a medical term to describe intellectual disabilities. However, due to its negative connotations and potential for causing offense, it has been largely replaced by more respectful and accurate terms.

In what contexts might "had been retarded" still be encountered?

"Had been retarded" might be found in historical documents or discussions about past terminology. However, its use is generally discouraged in contemporary writing and speech.