has been distracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been distracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has lost focus or attention over a period of time, often due to external factors or interruptions. Example: "She has been distracted by the noise outside, making it difficult for her to concentrate on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ledee has been distracted.

The New York Times - Sports

It has been distracted by a lot of things".

The New Yorker

"The American Reform movement has been distracted," he told me.

The New Yorker

American Middle East policy has been distracted and unbalanced.

The New York Times

"Our country has been distracted by this matter for too long".

The Economist

When it comes to key decisions, he has been distracted and irresolute.

The New York Times

Mullen will be calling plays in the game but has been distracted.

The New York Times - Sports

What has changed in recent years is that the police force has been distracted by other priorities.

The Economist

Mickelson, though, has been distracted by the difficult time his wife, Amy, is having with chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.

The New York Times - Sports

But that debate has largely waited for the White House, which has been distracted by the war in Iraq.

The New York Times

Belkovsky adds that the west has misunderstood Putin and has been distracted by his "neo-Soviet" image.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been distracted", ensure the context clearly identifies the cause of the distraction to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "has been distracted" without specifying what is causing the distraction. Vague usage can confuse the reader and reduce the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been distracted" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of reduced attention or focus. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where subjects are described as experiencing a lapse in concentration due to external or internal stimuli.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been distracted" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a state of reduced attention or focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the cause of distraction. Alternatives include "has lost focus" or "has been preoccupied". By avoiding vague usage and understanding its purpose, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has lost focus

Focus is lost, meaning less attention or consideration is given to something.

has been preoccupied

Highlights the mental absorption in other thoughts or concerns.

has been diverted

Attention or resources are turned away from the original focus.

has been sidetracked

Implies a temporary deviation from the main path or objective.

has been drawn away

Suggests being pulled or attracted away from something else.

has had divided attention

Attention is split between multiple things instead of concentrated on one.

has been unsettled

Indicates a disturbance that prevents concentration.

has become remiss

Suggests neglect due to distraction.

has been abstracted

Implies a state of detachment from immediate surroundings or tasks.

has shown inattention

Emphasizes a lack of attention or care.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been distracted" to indicate that someone or something is unable to focus on a particular task or situation. For instance, "The team "has been distracted" by the ongoing negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "has been distracted"?

Alternatives include "has lost focus", "has been preoccupied", or "has been diverted", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has distracted" instead of "has been distracted"?

While "has distracted" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. "Has distracted" implies a completed action of causing a distraction, whereas ""has been distracted"" indicates a state of being inattentive due to something.

What is the difference between ""has been distracted"" and "is distracted"?

"Has been distracted" suggests a state that has persisted over a period, potentially due to ongoing influences. "Is distracted" simply describes the current state of being inattentive or diverted.