had been suppressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been suppressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been forcibly restrained or kept from being expressed or revealed in the past. Example: "The evidence had been suppressed for years, preventing the truth from coming to light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had been suppressed rather than eradicated.

The New York Times

By the early 1980's, the guerrillas had been suppressed.

The New York Times

Patient advocates were outraged that the conclusions had been suppressed.

The New York Times

Gyulai denied that the test results had been suppressed.

The New York Times - Sports

'(4) Competition had been suppressed and business destroyed in the state by unconscionable and unfair means.

Cornell University

Its report had been suppressed, presumably at the insistence of Pakistan's military.

The New Yorker

Yoruba religion was rejected, and pentecostal features that had been suppressed under U.S. influence were restored.

Britannica

By fall, the ill feelings had been suppressed, though not forgotten.

The New York Times - Sports

The sad fact is that the "virulent strain of radical Islam" had been suppressed in Iraq.

The New York Times

A spokesman for Anglian Water added that demand had been "suppressed" by the cold, wet weather.

The Guardian

By 1980, much of the resistance to Pinochet's government had been suppressed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been suppressed", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was suppressed and by whom or what force. This clarity will enhance the reader's understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "had been suppressed" without clearly specifying what was suppressed. Vague usage can leave the reader confused about the subject of the suppression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been suppressed" functions as a verb phrase in the passive perfect form. It indicates that an action of suppressing something was completed before a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been suppressed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase in the passive perfect form. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that something was actively prevented or restrained before a specific time. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what was suppressed to avoid ambiguity. Consider related alternatives such as "had been stifled" or "had been repressed" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been stifled

Emphasizes the prevention of growth or development.

had been repressed

Focuses on subduing something, often feelings or desires.

had been quelled

Suggests the forceful stopping of something, like a rebellion.

had been subdued

Implies bringing something under control or dominance.

had been restrained

Highlights the act of holding something back or limiting its expression.

had been curtailed

Focuses on reducing or restricting something.

had been checked

Indicates that something has been stopped or limited in its progress.

had been muted

Suggests softening or reducing the intensity of something.

had been inhibited

Focuses on preventing or hindering an action or expression.

had been smothered

Implies completely covering or suppressing something, often to the point of suffocation.

FAQs

How can I use "had been suppressed" in a sentence?

Use "had been suppressed" to indicate that something was forcibly restrained or prevented from being expressed, such as "The evidence "had been suppressed" by the authorities".

What are some alternatives to "had been suppressed"?

You can use alternatives like "had been stifled", "had been repressed", or "had been quelled" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "had been suppressed" or "was suppressed"?

"Had been suppressed" implies an action completed in the past before another point in time, while "was suppressed" simply indicates a past action. The choice depends on whether you need to emphasize the sequence of events.

What is the difference between "had been suppressed" and "had been oppressed"?

"Had been suppressed" typically refers to the act of restraining or preventing something from being expressed or revealed, while "had been oppressed" refers to the act of subjugating or mistreating a group or individual.