has been alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been alert' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has been aware of something and vigilant for a period of time. For example, "The security guard has been alert since arriving at the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Since being taken off sedation, Giffords has been alert and is opening her eyes more often.

The Guardian

In the Administration, Gore has been alert to prevent Clinton from veering too far to his left.

The New Yorker

He has been alert to the humanity of the people whose cases made their way to the court.

The New York Times

Traditionally, the NHS workforce has been "alert to the needs of women" as a "hugely female profession".

The Guardian

The FA has been alert to potential breaches of security at major tournaments in the past, notably in relation to physical spying.

The Guardian - Sport

The wrenching experience informed the young John Stevens's thinking about criminal law, and he has been alert in his decisions to the possibility of prosecutorial misconduct and wrongful convictions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Guinness Book of Records has been alerted.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Downey has been alerting customers in person and has gotten positive, even encouraging, feedback.

The New York Times

Cole has been alerted to the threat, according to the Sun.

Independent

The Guardian has been alerted to similar schemes operating in NHS trusts and primary care trusts.

The Guardian

The federal government has been alerted to the cyber security incident.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been alert" to describe a state of continued awareness or vigilance. For example, "The border patrol has been alert due to increased smuggling activity."

Common error

Instead of saying "He has been alert during the meeting", which suggests continuous alertness throughout, use "He was alert during the meeting" to describe alertness at a specific moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been alert" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a continuing condition or state of awareness. It describes that someone or something has maintained a state of vigilance over a period. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound for describing ongoing conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

29%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been alert" is a grammatically correct way to express that someone or something has maintained a state of awareness or vigilance over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Though not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an ongoing state of alertness rather than a single instance. Consider using alternatives such as "has been vigilant" or "has been watchful" for nuanced meaning. Finally, remember that "has been alerted" refers to receiving a warning, not a state of awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been vigilant

Focuses on proactive watchfulness and attentiveness.

has been watchful

Emphasizes careful observation over a period.

has remained aware

Highlights the continuity of being conscious of something.

has kept informed

Stresses the act of staying up-to-date with information.

has been attentive

Implies careful listening or observation, showing consideration.

has stayed sharp

Indicates maintaining a keen mental acuity and responsiveness.

has been on the lookout

Focuses on actively searching or watching for something specific.

has been perceptive

Highlights the ability to understand or notice things quickly.

has been responsive

Emphasizes the ability to react quickly and positively.

has been conscious

Stresses awareness of one's surroundings and circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "has been alert" to describe a state of ongoing awareness or vigilance. For example, "The neighborhood watch has been alert since the recent break-ins."

What can I say instead of "has been alert"?

You can use alternatives like "has been vigilant", "has been watchful", or "has remained aware" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "has been alert" or "was alert"?

"Has been alert" implies a continuous state of alertness over a period, while "was alert" refers to a specific instance. Use "has been alert" for ongoing vigilance and "was alert" for a single event.

What's the difference between "has been alert" and "has been alerted"?

"Has been alert" describes a state of being watchful and aware, while "has been alerted" means someone has received a warning or notification. For example, "The guard has been alert" versus "The guard has been alerted to a possible threat".