has been bent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been bent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation where something (such as a metal object) has been manipulated into a different shape from its original form. For example: "The iron rod has been bent out of shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The record shows that in recent years the division has been bent on action.

The New Yorker

What does Harrison make of the way Joan's legend has been bent to various purposes over the years?

The New York Times - Books

Time itself has been bent to the government's needs, with the country's clocks pushed forward by half an hour.

The New Yorker

The songs are in Yiddish while the dialogue is in English and the plot has been bent just a little.

The New York Times

As he cuts through the thickets of negotiations, his sword has been bent by seats lost, not won.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The culture in this country has been bent on home ownership – if you fail to get there you are seen as 'outside the box'.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This suggests the Patriots' defense has been bending without breaking.

The New York Times

The White House has been bending over backward to attract attention.

The New York Times

Hot Tuna, another band that has been bending the blues since heaven knows when, shares the bill.

The New York Times

More Than Horseshoes Mr. Valentine has been bending iron to his will for more than half his life.

The New York Times

Since the early 70's, Ms. Sperry has been bending, shaping and welding metal into metaphorically suggestive abstractions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been bent" to describe an abstract concept (like a rule or law), ensure the context clearly indicates a deviation from the original intent or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "has been bent" in situations where a more precise verb like "altered", "modified", or "influenced" would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing the phrase can lead to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been bent" functions as a passive perfect verb phrase. It describes an action that was completed at some point in the past, resulting in a current state of being bent. Ludwig AI confirms this construction is standard in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been bent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive perfect verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a past action resulting in a present state of alteration. Whether referring to physical objects or abstract concepts, it effectively conveys a change in shape, direction, or purpose. While its register is neutral, its prevalence in news media highlights its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and that a more precise alternative isn't more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been deformed

Emphasizes a distortion in shape, often implying damage or imperfection.

has been twisted

Suggests a rotational change in shape, often with a negative connotation of manipulation or distortion.

has been warped

Implies a gradual bending or twisting, often due to external forces or internal stress.

has been curved

Focuses on the creation of a smooth, non-linear shape.

has been angled

Highlights the formation of a specific angle.

has been diverted

Shifts the meaning to a change in direction or course, rather than physical shape.

has been altered

Indicates a general change or modification, which may or may not involve bending.

has been manipulated

Conveys that something has been skillfully bent or reshaped, possibly for a specific purpose.

has been influenced

Highlights external factors that has affected a decision.

has been modified

Indicates a change in characteristics.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been bent" to describe something that has been physically reshaped, like "The metal rod has been bent", or to describe something that has been altered from its original purpose, like "The rules have been bent to accommodate special cases".

What are some alternatives to "has been bent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "has been twisted", "has been deformed", or "has been altered".

Is it correct to use "has been bent" in a figurative sense?

Yes, "has been bent" can be used figuratively to describe a situation where something has been changed or distorted from its original form or intention. For example, "The truth has been bent to fit their narrative."

What's the difference between "has been bent" and "has been broken"?

"Has been bent" implies a change in shape without necessarily losing integrity, while "has been broken" implies a separation or fracture. A paperclip "has been bent" may still function, but one that "has been broken" is no longer a single piece.