has been around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has existed for a long time, often referring to a concept or idea. For example: "The tradition of having a picnic on the Fourth of July has been around for hundreds of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been around since.

The New York Times

Bumper-sticker politics has been around forever.

The New York Times

Temptation, obviously, has been around forever.

The New York Times

Barclays has been around for 320 years.

The New York Times

Fermentation has been around forever.

The New Yorker

PartnerUp has been around longer.

The New York Times

She has been around everywhere.

The Guardian

Porn has been around forever.

TechCrunch

"Stop motion has been around..

Los Angeles Times

Mulkey has been around forever.

Huffington Post

Biometric technology has been around for decades.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the long duration and significance of something, consider using "has a long history" or "has been in existence for centuries" for a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "has been around" when you need to specify an exact start date or duration. It's better suited for general references to longevity rather than precise measurements. For example, say "The company was founded in 1995" instead of "The company has been around since 1995" if the founding date is the key information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been around" functions as a present perfect construction indicating that something began in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present. It's often used to describe the duration or experience associated with a subject, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been around" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something has existed for a considerable time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts for general references to longevity. For more formal or precise writing, consider alternatives like "has existed" or "has a long history". Keep in mind that using this phrase in the correct context gives your writing clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a long history

Specifically refers to a lengthy past, unlike the more general sense of duration in "has been around".

has existed

Focuses solely on the existence of something, omitting the sense of activity or influence implied by "around".

is a long-standing

This focuses on the duration of the thing. It is mostly used for institutions or relationships.

has been in existence

More formal and emphasizes the state of existing, lacking the casual connotation of "around".

has been present

Highlights the presence of something, not necessarily its duration or activity.

has a track record

Implies a history of performance or achievements, adding a layer of evaluation not present in the original phrase.

has been available

Implies accessibility or readiness for use, shifting the focus from mere existence.

has been established

Suggests a formal beginning or foundation, unlike the general sense of "has been around".

has a tradition

This implies that the thing is inherited from the past and has its origins in old times. Not appropriate if something is recent.

has been ongoing

Emphasizes the continuous nature of something, differing from the simple existence implied by "around".

FAQs

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

You can use "has been around" to indicate that something has existed for a long time. For example, "That argument "has been around for years"."

What are some alternatives to "has been around"?

Some alternatives include "has existed", "has been in existence", or "has a long history", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "has been around" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "has a long history" or "has been established".

What's the difference between "has been around" and "has been in existence"?

"Has been around" is more casual and implies activity or influence over time, while "has been in existence" is more formal and simply states that something has existed. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.