has been discouraged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been discouraged' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain action has received criticism or disapproval in the past and is no longer recommended by those in authority. For example: The use of single-use plastic has been discouraged due to its harmful environmental impact.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Generally the use of minority languages has been discouraged.

Columbia University

Publicity, on the other hand, has been discouraged.

The New York Times

Elective induction of labor has been discouraged over concerns regarding increased complications.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A must-read for anyone who has been discouraged by the 'Americans will never sacrifice' myth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He has been discouraged by recent attempts to apply for jobs.

The Guardian

Brown is 7-1 thiseasonon but has been discouraged by his performance.

The New York Times - Sports

In a similar way, teachers have been disempowered by successive governments and creativity has been discouraged.

The Guardian

The concomitant use of nonabsorbable mesh during stapled bariatric surgery has been discouraged due to potential contamination.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

But racing on Britain's highways has been discouraged since motorsport began at the end of the 19th century.

The Guardian

Historically, low-fat milk has been discouraged for very young children because fat is essential to brain development.

The New York Times - Health

In patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), early post-thrombolysis routine angioplasty has been discouraged because of its association with high incidence of events.

The Lancet

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been discouraged", clearly state the reason for the discouragement to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "That practice has been discouraged", specify "That practice has been discouraged due to environmental concerns".

Common error

Avoid implying that something is universally discouraged when it is only discouraged in specific contexts. Use qualifiers to narrow the scope, such as "In this specific context, the practice has been discouraged".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been discouraged" functions as a passive construction indicating that an action, practice, or belief is being actively dissuaded. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting that it conveys criticism or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been discouraged" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that a certain action or practice is not recommended or approved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and business settings. While it carries a neutral to formal tone, it's essential to provide context by specifying the reasons for the discouragement to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Remember, other options such as "is not recommended" or "is frowned upon" may offer more nuanced meanings depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not recommended

A very similar phrase that emphasizes a lack of endorsement or approval.

is not advised

This alternative offers a more direct and simple way to convey that something is not recommended.

is disfavored

Implies a preference against something, suggesting it is not the preferred option.

is frowned upon

This phrase indicates disapproval, often based on social norms or customs.

is dissuaded

Highlights the act of actively persuading someone not to do something.

is deprecated

Suggests that something is outdated or no longer supported, often in technical contexts.

is not supported

Indicates a lack of backing or assistance, often in a technical or official sense.

is hindered

Focuses on the obstacles or difficulties preventing something from happening.

is obstructed

Similar to 'is hindered', but can imply a more deliberate attempt to prevent something.

is blocked

Suggests a complete obstruction or prevention of an action.

FAQs

How do I use "has been discouraged" in a sentence?

Use "has been discouraged" to indicate that a particular action or practice is no longer recommended or approved, usually due to negative consequences or updated guidelines. For example: "The use of plastic straws "has been discouraged" in many restaurants."

What are some alternatives to "has been discouraged"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is not recommended", "is frowned upon", or "is not advised". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has been discouraged" formal or informal?

"Has been discouraged" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in some situations.

What's the difference between "has been discouraged" and "has been banned"?

"Has been discouraged" implies that something is not recommended, but not necessarily prohibited. "Has been banned" means it is officially prohibited by law or regulation.