has been contaminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been contaminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been made impure or unclean, often in a scientific or environmental context. Example: "The water supply has been contaminated due to the recent chemical spill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything has been contaminated, everything".

The Guardian

Some people's drinking water has been contaminated.

The New York Times

Infant formula has been contaminated and children have died.

Yale University

Water during the flood has been contaminated badly.

The Guardian

"The beach has been contaminated for years," she said.

The New York Times

Most commonly, they get it from eating feed that has been contaminated by infectious prions.

The New York Times

Maybe it has been contaminated in the minds of critics by popularity and Walt Disney animation.

The Guardian - Books

For more than 25 years, the cove has been contaminated with PCB's.

The New York Times

Part of my new allotment has been contaminated with heavy metals from burning batteries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints' organization".

The Guardian - Sport

"To date, there is no indication that one pound of dirt has been contaminated".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the source of contamination, be specific. For example, instead of just saying "the water has been contaminated", specify "the water has been contaminated with lead".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "has been contaminated" with excessively broad or abstract subjects. For example, instead of saying "the situation has been contaminated", consider specifying what aspect of the situation is affected, such as "the negotiation has been contaminated by distrust".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been contaminated" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has been made impure or dangerous. Ludwig's examples show it often applies to substances like water, soil, or food, highlighting environmental or health concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been contaminated" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a state where something has become impure or harmful. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase commonly appears in contexts related to environmental issues, health, and food safety. While versatile, it is crucial to specify the source and nature of the contamination for clarity. Related phrases include "has been polluted", "has been tainted", and "has been corrupted", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Remember to avoid vague subjects and be precise in describing the contamination for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been polluted

Focuses on the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

has been rendered impure

States directly the loss of purity, often in a formal or technical context.

has been tainted

Suggests a negative alteration in quality or character, often subtly.

has been infected

Refers specifically to contamination by biological agents like bacteria or viruses.

has been corrupted

Implies a loss of integrity or purity, often in a moral or ethical sense.

has been made toxic

Focuses on the introduction of poisonous substances.

has been adulterated

Emphasizes the addition of inferior or harmful substances, especially to food or drink.

has been defiled

Indicates a desecration or violation of something sacred or pure.

has been compromised

Highlights the weakening or undermining of something, making it vulnerable.

has been spoiled

Implies that something has become unusable or undesirable due to contamination or decay.

FAQs

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

Use "has been contaminated" to indicate that something has become impure or harmful due to the presence of unwanted substances. For example, "The soil "has been contaminated" by industrial waste".

What are some alternatives to "has been contaminated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "has been polluted", "has been tainted", or "has been corrupted".

Which is correct, "has been contaminated" or "was contaminated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "has been contaminated" implies an ongoing state resulting from a past event, while "was contaminated" refers to a completed event in the past. Choose the tense that best fits the timeline you're describing.

What's the difference between "has been contaminated" and "is contaminated"?

"Has been contaminated" describes a past action with present implications, like "The river has been contaminated by the factory's runoff, making it unsafe for swimming". "Is contaminated" describes a present state, such as "The river is contaminated with high levels of mercury right now".