has already been invented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has already been invented" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that has been created or developed prior to the current time. Example: "Many people believe that flying cars have already been invented, but they are not yet available for public use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Inconveniently, Facebook has already been invented.

The New Yorker

The wheel has already been invented.

The New Yorker

That machine has already been invented.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Paul, if a direction has already been invented, how can it be new?

The New York Times

Probably everything that cities need for the next 50 to 100 years has already been invented.

MIT Technology Review

"Everything has already been invented in flamenco; it encompasses all the human emotions".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

What M. Méchenet invented is also unclear, if only because the invention had already been invented.

The New Yorker

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) routinely issues patents for "obvious non-inventions", many of which have already been invented.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gasoline engine had already been invented.

Yale University

Improved versions of CRISPR-Cas9 have already been invented, and entirely new methods are likely.

MIT Technology Review

It's possible some of the things you wish for, like the following, have already been invented and are just waiting for mainstream popularity.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has already been invented" to acknowledge the lack of novelty in an idea or technology, setting the stage for discussing improvements or adaptations.

Common error

Avoid using "has already been invented" when it's self-evident. Instead, focus on specific advancements or unique applications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has already been invented" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that a particular invention or concept is not novel. It is frequently used to temper enthusiasm for new ideas by pointing out existing solutions. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this common phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has already been invented" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a particular idea or technology is not new. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. While it can temper enthusiasm for novelty, it also sets the stage for discussions about improvements or adaptations. Remembering the common usage errors and alternative phrases can help writers employ this statement effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been developed earlier

Highlights earlier development.

was previously created

Focuses on the action of creation happening at an earlier time.

was already in existence

Formally states something's prior existence.

existed before

Emphasizes prior existence rather than the act of invention.

predates current times

Formally states that something existed before the present.

was invented long ago

Emphasizes the time elapsed since invention.

is not a new idea

Highlights the lack of novelty.

is not original

Similar to "is not a new idea" but emphasizes the lack of uniqueness.

is an old invention

Focuses on the age of the invention.

has been around for a while

Suggests something has been in use or known for some time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has already been invented" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was previously created", "existed before", or "had been developed earlier".

What's the difference between "has already been invented" and "is not a new idea"?

"Has already been invented" specifically refers to something tangible or technological, while "is not a new idea" can apply to concepts, strategies, or approaches.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "has already been invented"?

Use "has already been invented" when discussing a proposed invention or solution to indicate that a similar concept or technology already exists.

What are some common misconceptions about things that "has already been invented"?

A common misconception is that if something "has already been invented", there's no room for improvement or innovation. However, existing inventions can be refined, adapted, or applied in new ways.