has been applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "has been applying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a person or group has been taking action or attempting to obtain something over a period of time. For example, "Fiona has been applying for jobs every day since she graduated from college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But the Soviet Union has been applying leverage as well.

The New York Times

For the past 11 months, Wink has been applying Brûlé's style of "optimism" to Swissair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Valerie has been applying for jobs for 12 months and has only had one interview.

The Guardian

Dr. Yeager, he added, has been applying this idea to personality.

The New York Times - Health

She has been applying for jobs locally, but has not yet landed one.

The New York Times

In both states it has been applying different rules for Muslims and non-Muslims.

The Economist

Since 2012, Harbour has been applying a progressive and innovative approach to both beer style and brewing technique.

The Guardian

Nature has been applying lubrication since the evolution of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and bursas of vertebrate animals.

Britannica

And he has been applying it lately in fields that might get him an even wider public.

The Guardian - Books

From the beginning of her classroom experiences, Lisa has been applying what she has learned in her job.

University of California, Berkeley

At MIT, Nadia has been applying formal verification to automate various critical and error-prone programming tasks.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been applying", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being applied (e.g., skills, pressure, methods) and the purpose or effect of the application.

Common error

Avoid using "has been applying" in unnecessarily passive constructions. Instead of "Pressure has been being applied by the government", opt for the more direct "The government "has been applying" pressure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been applying" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It indicates an action that began in the past and is ongoing or has recently concluded. Ludwig AI explains the phrase is grammatically correct and indicates action taken over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been applying" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that began in the past and is still ongoing, or has recently stopped. Ludwig highlights its grammatical correctness and broad utility. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, specify what is being applied and its intended purpose. Related alternatives include "has been utilizing" and "has been implementing". Avoid passive constructions to maintain a direct and active voice. With frequent occurrences in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, understanding the proper usage of "has been applying" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been utilizing

Focuses on the act of using something in a practical way.

has been employing

Highlights the use of a method or resource to achieve a specific goal.

has been implementing

Stresses the execution or putting a plan or system into effect.

has been exercising

Emphasizes the active use of a skill, right, or quality.

has been wielding

Implies the skillful and effective handling of power or influence.

has been exerting

Emphasizes the application of pressure or effort.

has been conducting

Highlights the performance of a specific activity or experiment.

has been administering

Focuses on the management or distribution of something, like a test or medication.

has been practicing

Suggests regular engagement in an activity to improve skill.

has been actioning

Emphasizes taking action or implementing something.

FAQs

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

Use "has been applying" to describe a continuous or repeated action of using or implementing something over a period of time. For example, "The company "has been applying" new marketing strategies this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "has been applying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has been utilizing", "has been employing", or "has been implementing".

Which is correct: "has been applying" or "is applying"?

"Has been applying" indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present or has recently ceased. "Is applying" indicates an action happening now. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning and timeframe.

What's the difference between "has been applying" and "applied"?

"Has been applying" describes a continuous or repeated action over time, while "applied" indicates a completed action in the past. For example, "She "has been applying" for jobs for months" versus "She applied for a job yesterday".