has been downgraded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been downgraded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been reduced in status, importance, or quality. For example, "The once-popular tourist destination has been downgraded to a lesser-known destination in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This nation has been downgraded," Huntsman begins.

The Guardian - Opinion

Musicians' placement in the house, too, has been downgraded.

The New Yorker

This year the recovery in productivity has been downgraded again.

The Guardian

Linebacker JASON GLENN (ankle) has been downgraded to questionable.

The New York Times - Sports

The scheme has been downgraded and delayed repeatedly.

The Guardian

And the traditional bane of the new private, the long run, has been downgraded.

The New York Times

Cyprus was already on credit watch, and Greek debt has been downgraded to junk status.

The New York Times

The cost involved has weighed on Verizon's share price, and its credit rating has been downgraded.

The Economist

His large legislative suite has been downgraded to a small office for freshman lawmakers.

The New York Times

So far, no company has been downgraded for revising its debts.

The Economist

The prime minister's job has been downgraded to that of manager.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been downgraded", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject was previously rated or valued at, to emphasize the extent of the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "has been downgraded" to create unnecessary alarm or drama. Reserve it for situations where a genuine and significant reduction in status, quality, or importance has occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been downgraded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has undergone a reduction in status, quality, or importance. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been downgraded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates that something has experienced a decline in status, quality, or importance. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for conveying factual information. Remember to provide context to emphasize the extent of the reduction and avoid overuse in sensationalist writing. Alternatives like "has been reduced" or "has been lowered" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been diminished

Indicates a decrease in importance or quality, but might not necessarily imply a formal change in status.

has been reduced

Focuses on a decrease in quantity or level, and can apply to things like intensity or funding.

has been lowered

Emphasizes a drop in rank or position, often used in hierarchical systems.

has been weakened

Suggests a loss of strength or effectiveness, which might not always equate to a formal downgrade.

has fallen in status

Focuses specifically on a decline in social or professional ranking.

has been impaired

Implies a decline in functionality or ability, often in a specific area.

has lost prestige

Indicates a reduction in respect or admiration, often over a longer period.

has been cheapened

Implies a decline in perceived value or quality, often due to changes in production or marketing.

has been discredited

Implies a loss of credibility or authority, often due to scandal or poor performance.

is not as good as it used to be

A more conversational way of expressing a decline in quality or performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been downgraded" to indicate a reduction in status, quality, or importance. For example, "The country's credit rating "has been downgraded" due to economic instability."

What are some alternatives to "has been downgraded"?

Alternatives include "has been reduced", "has been lowered", or "has been weakened". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was downgraded" instead of "has been downgraded"?

Yes, "was downgraded" is grammatically correct, but it implies that the downgrading occurred at a specific point in the past. "Has been downgraded" implies that the downgrading happened in the past and its effects are still relevant.

What's the difference between "has been downgraded" and "has deteriorated"?

"Has been downgraded" typically implies a formal reduction in rank or status, while "has deteriorated" suggests a decline in quality or condition, which may not be officially recognized.