had been set up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been set up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was established or arranged in the past and may still have relevance or effect in the present. Example: "The committee had been set up to address the community's concerns about safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A screen had been set up against a far wall.

The New Yorker

Tented cabanas had been set up with couches inside.

The New Yorker

A Facebook campaign had been set up to free her.

The Guardian

Mary had been set up as a choiceless doer.

Harvard Business Review

He suggested the news outlets had been "set up".

The Guardian - Tech

Key said another call had been set up for Wednesday.

The Guardian

Roadblocks had been set up to cull fleeing Tutsis.

The New York Times - Magazine

The turntable had been set up next to the altar.

The Guardian - Music

They had been set up by mutual friends.

The Guardian - Film

Geater denied that Steele had "been set up".

The Guardian

Everybody had been set up to fight the cold war.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been set up" to describe situations where an arrangement or system was put in place at a specific point in the past and its effects are still relevant.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "had been set up" as it can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider using the active voice for a more direct and engaging tone, when appropriate. For example, instead of "A trap had been set up", try "Someone set up a trap".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been set up" functions as a passive construction in the past perfect tense. It indicates that an action of setting up was completed before a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This often implies a completed arrangement or establishment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been set up" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something was arranged or established before a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and usability of the phrase. It finds its primary usage in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "had been established" or "had been arranged" can provide subtle variations in meaning. When employing the phrase, ensure the context makes clear who or what performed the action. Be mindful of the passive voice, and consider using the active voice for greater directness when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been established

Focuses on the formal creation or foundation of something.

had been arranged

Emphasizes planning and organization to bring something about.

had been organized

Highlights the structured approach to create or manage something.

had been framed

Implies a deceptive setup, often to incriminate someone.

had been tricked

Emphasizes being deceived into a particular situation.

had been prepared

Highlights the act of making something ready for use or action.

had been scheduled

Focuses on assigning a time or place for an event or activity.

had been created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

had been designed

Highlights the planning and intention behind the creation of something, often with a specific purpose.

had been instigated

Implies that something was started or initiated, often secretly or indirectly.

FAQs

How can I use "had been set up" in a sentence?

The phrase "had been set up" indicates that something was arranged or established before a specific point in the past. For example: "The conference room "had been set up" before the guests arrived."

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

"Had been set up" describes an action completed in the past before another event in the past, while "was set up" describes a single action in the past. For example: "The ambush "had been set up" before the convoy arrived" (past perfect) vs. "The company "was set up" in 1995" (simple past).

What can I say instead of "had been set up"?

You can use alternatives like "had been established", "had been arranged", or "had been organized" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "had been set up" in a passive voice?

It is appropriate when the agent performing the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context. For instance: "The security system "had been set up" to prevent intrusions."