has been appropriated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been appropriated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been taken or used by someone, often without permission or in a way that alters its original meaning or context. Example: "The cultural symbols have been appropriated by various fashion brands, leading to controversy over their use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This year $92 million in federal funds has been appropriated to complete a cleanup by 2013, following appropriations of more than $700 million over the last 10 years.

The New York Times

"Because the word has been appropriated by men".

The New York Times - Magazine

"No money has been appropriated for the poet laureate's position".

The New York Times

The journalist is also keenly aware of the way the expression has been appropriated.

Independent

It's this aspect of his work that has been appropriated by several contemporary filmmakers.

The New York Times

Murray's image has been appropriated for T-shirts, paintings, internet memes, cartoons, and books.

Independent

Just as he has been appropriated, so he appropriated ideas from everyone else.

The Economist

And though Congress approved the Green Jobs Act, no money for job training has been appropriated.

The Economist

In Banda Aceh, what little wreckage remains has been appropriated as something for curious sightseers.

The Guardian

Since then the word "indie" has been appropriated for other uses, and often employed pejoratively.

The Guardian - Music

As studio marketers have become more aggressive, all the freshness has been appropriated by the campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "has been appropriated", ensure it is clear who or what is doing the appropriating and what is being appropriated. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been appropriated" in situations where a simpler term like "used" or "taken" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly academic or accusatory when a more neutral tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been appropriated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something has been acted upon. It typically introduces a discussion of cultural or intellectual property rights and the ethics of using elements from other cultures or contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been appropriated" is a common expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, used to denote that something has been taken or used, often without permission or in a manner that alters its original context. Grammatically correct and frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions, this phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying issues of cultural sensitivity or ethical behavior. While alternative phrases like "has been adopted" or "has been co-opted" exist, the choice depends heavily on the specific context and intended nuance. When employing "has been appropriated", it's crucial to provide clear context and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been co-opted

Highlights the use of something for a different or unintended purpose.

has been adopted

Implies a more willing or formal acceptance and use, rather than a potentially unauthorized taking.

has been seized

Suggests a forceful or illegal taking of something.

has been commandeered

Indicates that something has been taken for official or military use.

has been requisitioned

Formal request or demand that something be taken for official use.

has been usurped

Emphasizes the unlawful seizure of power or position.

has been colonized

Implies a more extensive and systematic taking over, often of territories or cultures.

has been pre-empted

Implies taking action to prevent someone else from doing it first.

has been borrowed

Suggests a temporary or informal taking.

has been assumed

Indicates taking something for granted or without proof.

FAQs

What does "has been appropriated" mean?

The phrase "has been appropriated" means something has been taken or used, often without permission or in a way that alters its original meaning or context. It can imply that something valuable or significant has been taken and used inappropriately.

How to use "has been appropriated" in a sentence?

You can use "has been appropriated" to describe situations where cultural elements, ideas, or resources have been taken and used, sometimes disrespectfully or without proper acknowledgment. For example, "The symbol "has been appropriated" by a different group for commercial purposes."

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

You can use alternatives like "has been adopted", "has been co-opted", or "has been borrowed" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "has been appropriated" and "has been adopted"?

"Has been appropriated" often implies a taking without permission or a change in meaning, whereas "has been adopted" suggests a more willing or formal acceptance and use. Appropriation can carry negative connotations, while adoption is generally neutral or positive.