has been exhausting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been exhausting" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been physically or mentally taxing. For example: "The last week of work has been exhausting, but I'm glad it's over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The silence-seeking has been exhausting.

The New Yorker

So the work has been exhausting.

The New Yorker

His fight to restore Brian's reputation has been exhausting.

The New York Times - Sports

In practice, however, the transition has been exhausting.

The Guardian - Tech

But the pace of growth has been exhausting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The effort has been exhausting, he says, and decidedly different for a legal scholar and teacher.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Perhaps people think the argument has been exhausted.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that supply of cheap land has been exhausted.

The New York Times

Both Israeli and Palestinian officials have begun to sound as if their patience has been exhausted.

The Economist

Goodwill has been exhausted.

BBC

The processing fee budget has been exhausted.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To amplify the impact, consider adding adverbs like 'particularly', 'completely', or 'utterly' before 'exhausting'. For example: "The journey has been utterly exhausting".

Common error

Avoid using "has been exhausting" for very short-term activities. Opt for "was exhausting" or "is exhausting" when describing immediate or recently completed events to maintain accuracy and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been exhausting" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being or condition resulting from a prolonged activity or situation. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been exhausting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe prolonged activities or situations that cause fatigue or depletion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal communication. Alternative phrases like "has been draining" or "has been tiring" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. When using this phrase, ensure that the cause of exhaustion is clear and avoid misapplication to short-term events. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively convey the impact of demanding experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been draining

This alternative suggests a gradual loss of energy or resources, implying a more subtle effect compared to the direct impact of "has been exhausting".

has been tiring

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way to express that something has caused fatigue, but lacks the intensity implied by "has been exhausting".

has been wearying

This alternative suggests a more prolonged and emotionally draining experience, highlighting the mental fatigue associated with the subject.

has been debilitating

This option implies a significant weakening or impairment, suggesting a more severe impact than simply being exhausted.

has been arduous

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved, highlighting the demanding nature of the activity.

has been grueling

This emphasizes the severity and relentlessness of the experience, often implying physical hardship.

has been sapping my energy

This alternative indicates a gradual depletion of one's vitality, focusing on the continuous loss of vigor.

has been a constant struggle

This indicates an ongoing and persistent effort against resistance or difficulty, emphasizing the continuous effort required.

has taken its toll

This suggests that something has had a damaging effect over time, impacting one's well-being.

has left me drained

This focuses on the resulting state of depletion after an experience, emphasizing the lack of remaining energy.

FAQs

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

Use "has been exhausting" to describe a prolonged activity or situation that has caused fatigue or depletion of energy. For example, "The project has been exhausting, but we're nearing completion."

What can I say instead of "has been exhausting"?

You can use alternatives like "has been draining", "has been tiring", or "has been wearying" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "has been exhausting" and "was exhausting"?

"Has been exhausting" implies that the activity started in the past and continues to have an effect in the present. "Was exhausting" refers to an activity that concluded in the past and is no longer ongoing.

Is it correct to say "has been exhaustingly"?

While grammatically understandable, "has been exhaustingly" is less common and may sound awkward. It's better to rephrase using "has been exhausting" and modify the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of saying "The work has been exhaustingly difficult", say "The work has been exhausting and difficult".