has been abusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been abusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that has involved mistreatment or harm over a period of time. Example: "The relationship has been abusive, leading to significant emotional distress for both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It has been abusive.

Independent

"Everything they've done with him has been abusive".

The New York Times

The issue isn't that Mr. Bolton has been abusive.

The New York Times

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoyy has been abusive by trying to search Morales' plane in Spain.

The Guardian

We quickly learn that he has been abusive in the past.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His family are very controlling and her dad has been abusive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

During the trial, Miss Bellis said her relationship with Riley had been abusive and controlling.

Independent

Unsatisfied, I wished her to declare that the encounter had been abusive, an ethical violation.

The New Yorker

She said her brother had been abusive at one time, but it was years ago.

The Washington Post

But women to whom he had been abusive seemed to harbor a mysterious affection for him.

The New York Times - Books

The Met admitted that the relationships had been "abusive, deceitful, manipulative and wrong".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been abusive", ensure you have credible evidence or sources to support the claim, as it's a serious allegation with significant implications.

Common error

Avoid using "has been abusive" loosely for situations that are merely unpleasant or challenging. Reserve it for scenarios involving repeated mistreatment, harm, or exploitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been abusive" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present perfect continuous tense, indicating an action or state that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. Ludwig examples show it describing ongoing or past patterns of harmful behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been abusive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a continuing state of abusive behavior. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries significant weight and should be used judiciously. When writing about such topics, ensure factual accuracy and consider alternative phrasing depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to reserve this phrase to situtations involving repeated mistreatment, harm, or exploitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been maltreating

Emphasizes the act of mistreating someone, focusing on the action itself.

has been mistreating

Highlights the act of treating someone badly or unfairly.

has been exploiting

Focuses on taking unfair advantage of someone.

has been victimizing

Emphasizes the act of making someone a victim.

has been harassing

Focuses on persistent unwanted attention or intimidation.

has been bullying

Highlights aggressive behavior intended to dominate or intimidate.

has been tyrannical

Implies oppressive and controlling behavior, similar to a tyrant.

has been oppressive

Emphasizes the use of authority or power to unjustly control others.

has been corrupt

Indicates dishonest or fraudulent behavior, especially by those in power.

has been unethical

Highlights behavior that violates moral principles or professional standards.

FAQs

How can I use "has been abusive" in a sentence?

You can use "has been abusive" to describe a situation or person that has engaged in abusive behavior over time. For example, "The relationship "has been abusive", causing lasting emotional damage."

What are some alternatives to saying "has been abusive"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "has been mistreating", "has been exploiting", or "has been harassing" to convey similar meanings.

What kind of situations is "has been abusive" typically used to describe?

"Has been abusive" is generally used to describe relationships, behaviors, or systems that involve repeated mistreatment, exploitation, or harm. This can include domestic situations, workplace environments, or even political systems.

Is "has been abusive" a strong term to use?

Yes, "has been abusive" is a very strong term that carries significant weight. It should be used carefully and accurately to describe situations where there is clear evidence of repeated mistreatment or harm.