has been battling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been battling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing struggle or conflict that started in the past and continues into the present. Example: "She has been battling with her health issues for several years now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meredith, for example, has been battling cancer.

University of California, Berkeley

Each has been battling golf-related injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

The Indianapolis 500 has been battling sliding television ratings.

The New York Times - Sports

The China corporate sector has been battling falling profits.

The New York Times

Noah has been battling plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

The New York Times - Sports

For several years now, he has been battling cancer.

The New Yorker

Williams has been battling a cold since the tournament began.

The New York Times - Sports

Washington has been battling for food justice for three decades.

The Guardian

JUSTIN JONES, a left-hander, has been battling shoulder tendinitis.

The New York Times - Sports

For months, Rockland county in New York has been battling a large measles outbreak.

Harvard University

It has been battling al-Shabab fighters alongside the Somali army.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been battling" to describe ongoing, prolonged conflicts rather than brief or resolved situations. This emphasizes the endurance and persistence of the struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "has been battling" for minor inconveniences or easily resolved issues. It is best reserved for situations involving significant and sustained effort or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been battling" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that began in the past and is still ongoing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, describing prolonged struggles or conflicts. The phrase connects the past and present, highlighting the duration and persistence of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been battling" is a present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe an ongoing struggle or conflict. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. As a very common expression, it effectively conveys the duration and persistence of a challenge, making it suitable for news reports, academic discussions, and general discourse. While generally neutral in tone, consider the specific audience and context to ensure the most appropriate vocabulary. Remember to use the phrase to describe prolonged conflicts, and not for minor or easily resolved issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been fighting

Implies a more active and direct confrontation or struggle.

has been struggling with

Focuses on the difficulty and effort involved in dealing with something.

has been contending with

Suggests a more formal or persistent opposition.

has been grappling with

Emphasizes the act of physically or mentally struggling to overcome a challenge.

has been combating

Highlights efforts to actively suppress or eliminate something, often a problem.

has been facing

Indicates encountering and dealing with difficulties or opposition.

has been dealing with

A more general term for managing or handling a difficult situation.

has been wrestling with

Suggests a prolonged and intense internal struggle.

has been enduring

Focuses on the act of suffering through a difficult experience over time.

has been undergoing

Emphasizes the process of experiencing something, often a challenging process.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been battling" is used to describe an ongoing struggle or conflict. For example: "The company "has been battling financial woes" of late" or "She "has been battling cancer" for several years".

What are some alternatives to "has been battling"?

You can use alternatives like "has been fighting", "has been struggling with", or "has been contending with" depending on the specific context.

Is "has been battling" formal or informal?

The phrase "has been battling" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "has been battling" and "has battled"?

"Has been battling" implies an ongoing struggle, while "has battled" suggests a completed action. For example, "She has been battling cancer" means she is currently undergoing treatment, whereas "She "has battled cancer"" implies she fought it in the past, and may or may not be currently dealing with it.