has been carrying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been carrying" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an ongoing action that started in the past and continues into the present. Example: "She has been carrying the heavy box for over an hour now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Lately, it has been carrying an undercurrent of candor.

The New York Times - Sports

"Deron has been carrying us," Illinois Coach Bruce Weber said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He has been carrying a problem in his back.

The Guardian - Sport

"Mo has been carrying some baggage with him," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Eric's line has been carrying our team all season.

The New York Times - Sports

Since June 2014 the army has been carrying out an offensive against the militants.

The Economist

"Lincoln Restler has been carrying on as if he's running against Vito Lopez," Mr. Olechowski said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The office of the U.S. attorney has been mum as it has been carrying out its investigation.

Huffington Post

They are among the raft of British designers whom the store has been carrying.

The New York Times - Style

The all-Czech line has been carrying the Rangers since its inception seven weeks ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Who has been carrying out these attacks?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to emotional burdens or responsibilities, consider if "has been bearing" might be a more precise alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "has been carrying" when the action has been completed. Use "carried" instead. For example, instead of "She has been carrying the box yesterday", say "She carried the box yesterday."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been carrying" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It describes an action that began in the past, continues into the present, and may continue into the future. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been carrying" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes an action that began in the past and continues into the present. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical function is that of a present perfect continuous verb phrase. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While it's generally considered grammatically correct, it's important to avoid using it when referring to completed actions. Alternative phrases like "has been undertaking" or "has been performing" can provide more precise meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been undertaking

Focuses on the act of taking on a task or project, similar to carrying a responsibility.

has been performing

Highlights the execution of a duty or function over a period.

has been conducting

Emphasizes the organization and execution of a specific activity.

has been executing

Focuses on the methodical carrying out of a plan or order.

has been managing

Implies overseeing and handling something, often with responsibility.

has been handling

Suggests dealing with or managing a situation or object.

has been bearing

Implies enduring or supporting something, often a burden or responsibility.

has been shouldering

Focuses on accepting and managing a significant responsibility.

has been transporting

Specifically refers to the physical movement of something.

has been conveying

Emphasizes the act of communicating or transmitting something.

FAQs

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

Use "has been carrying" to describe an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. For example, "The team "has been carrying" out the research for three months."

What are some alternatives to "has been carrying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has been undertaking", "has been performing", or "has been conducting".

What's the difference between "has been carrying" and "carried"?

"Has been carrying" implies a continuous action that started in the past and is still happening, while "carried" indicates a completed action in the past. For example, "She "has been carrying" the groceries all day" vs. "She "carried" the groceries yesterday."

When is it appropriate to use "has been bearing" instead of "has been carrying"?

Use "has been bearing" when referring to enduring a burden or responsibility, whereas ""has been carrying"" can refer to physical objects or ongoing actions. For instance, "He has been bearing the weight of the decision" versus "He "has been carrying" the package."