has been dampened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been dampened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been reduced in intensity, strength, or effectiveness, often referring to emotions or enthusiasm. Example: "Her excitement for the project has been dampened by the recent setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Any sense of urgency in developing recycling capacity has been dampened, however, by the cost factor.

The New York Times

Excitement in the Pacific Northwest has been dampened since draft night.

The New York Times

These Olympics started brilliantly but the momentum from the opening ceremony has been dampened by the empty seats we are seeing across the Games.

Independent

— Summer's arrival, usually cause for celebration on Cape Cod, has been dampened this year by a grim question: Who is killing the gray seals?

The New York Times

This is surprisingly empowering and helps to reignite some of the enthusiasm that has been dampened by winter rain and early starts.

The Guardian

Countercyclical policy has been dampened by the zero lower bound, fiscal-policy constraints, and central bank unwillingness to break with 2% inflation targets.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Updated at 5.22pm BST 4.07pm BST The Italian prime minister, Mario Monti, has been dampening speculation there might be an emergency European summit following the events of recent days.

The Guardian - Business

For investors, of course, the prospect of war has been dampening share prices for months.

Forbes

Expectations for The Hateful Eight, however, have been dampened by the ongoing success of The Force Awakens.

The Guardian - Film

Her hair – thick and dark and inclined towards wildness – had been dampened and clenched back in a small bun.

The Guardian - Books

Though hopes for a resolution of the case have been dampened by Price's death, Bender is still pushing steadfastly for a murder trial.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been dampened" when you want to describe a situation where initial enthusiasm or intensity has been reduced, often due to negative events or circumstances. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being affected and the cause of the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "has been dampened" in contexts that require stronger verbs like "destroyed" or "eliminated". Dampened suggests a reduction, not a complete removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been dampened" functions as a passive voice construction using the auxiliary verb 'has been' and the past participle 'dampened'. It indicates that something has experienced a reduction in intensity or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been dampened" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a reduction in intensity, enthusiasm, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It's important to use this phrase in contexts where a reduction, rather than a complete elimination, is intended. While versatile, overuse in overly dramatic contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "has been diminished" or "has been lessened" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been diminished

Emphasizes a reduction in size, extent, or importance rather than a suppression of enthusiasm.

has been lessened

Suggests a decrease in amount, degree, or intensity, often applicable to negative feelings or impacts.

has been reduced

Focuses on a measurable decrease, suitable for quantifiable aspects like numbers or levels.

has been suppressed

Implies a deliberate act of holding back or restraining something, often emotions or information.

has been muted

Indicates a softening or quieting of sound, color, or emotion, suggesting a subtle reduction.

has been weakened

Conveys a loss of strength, power, or effectiveness, often due to external factors.

has been curtailed

Suggests a restriction or limitation placed on something, often activities or freedoms.

has been tempered

Implies a moderation or balancing of something, often to make it less extreme or intense.

has been softened

Focuses on making something less harsh, severe, or intense, often related to feelings or impacts.

has been allayed

Indicates a reduction in fear, suspicion, or worry, often by providing reassurance or relief.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been dampened" is used to describe a reduction in enthusiasm, intensity, or effectiveness. For example: "The initial excitement "has been dampened" by the unexpected challenges."

What are some alternatives to "has been dampened"?

You can use alternatives such as "has been diminished", "has been lessened", or "has been muted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been dampened"?

Yes, "has been dampened" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to describe a reduction in intensity or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples.

What's the difference between "has been dampened" and "has been suppressed"?

"Has been dampened" implies a reduction in intensity or enthusiasm, whereas "has been suppressed" suggests a more forceful act of holding something back or preventing its expression.