has been exploiting

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been exploiting" is a grammatically correct and usable form of English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which someone has been taking advantage of something or someone for a period of time. For example, "The oil company has been exploiting the local environment for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Israel has been exploiting Palestinian desperation for improved water supplies.

The Guardian

It is certainly true that China has been exploiting EU divisions to the full.

The Economist

His biggest edge, however, has been exploiting the power of the Internet and social media to get his message out.

The New York Times

He is outraged that week after week the show has been exploiting a cretinous, talent-free butterball for laughs.

The New York Times

The latest issues to raise eyebrows are the two that Mr. Romney has been exploiting, his immigration policy and his suggestion to alter child labor laws.

The New York Times

Mr. Saget has been exploiting the tension between those identities for years, mocking the "Full House" wholesomeness but not disavowing it.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Clearly this has been exploited by employers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The iron ore in the oblast has been exploited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over the years the division has been exploited by outsiders.

Independent

That xenophobia has been exploited by the government for years.

The New York Times

He is a vulnerable man whose weakness has been exploited.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more neutral alternatives like "has been leveraging" or "has been capitalizing on" if the intent is not to emphasize exploitation.

Common error

Avoid using "has been exploiting" when a more neutral term like "utilizing" or "leveraging" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation that might not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been exploiting" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating a continuous or repeated action of taking unfair advantage. As supported by Ludwig, it describes an ongoing process of leveraging something for personal gain, often with negative implications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been exploiting" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to convey that someone is currently or has been taking unfair advantage of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While commonly used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it carries a negative connotation and should be used judiciously. Consider alternatives such as "has been capitalizing on" or "has been leveraging" in neutral contexts. Remember to be mindful of source authority and context when using this phrase, as it can significantly impact the tone and perception of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been taking advantage of

A more neutral alternative that suggests utilizing something, without necessarily implying harm.

has been capitalizing on

Emphasizes leveraging an opportunity for gain, which is a slight shift from the negative connotation of exploiting.

has been feeding off

Implies dependence and deriving sustenance from something, often in a negative way.

has been using to its advantage

Indicates that something is being used for benefit, without necessarily implying exploitation.

has been profiting from

Highlights the financial gain derived from a situation.

has been milking

Suggests extracting as much as possible from something, often to the point of exhaustion.

has been cashing in on

Focuses on converting something into financial profit.

has been leveraging

Focuses on using something to maximum advantage, often in a business context.

has been manipulating

Highlights skillful handling or control of something.

has been making use of

A general phrase for utilizing something, lacking the negative undertones.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "has been exploiting" something?

Saying someone "has been exploiting" something means they have been unfairly taking advantage of it, often for personal gain. This implies a degree of unethical behavior or disregard for the well-being of what is being exploited.

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

You can use alternatives like "has been capitalizing on", "has been taking advantage of", or "has been leveraging" depending on the context.

Is "has been exploiting" always negative?

Yes, "has been exploiting" generally carries a negative connotation. It suggests unfair or unethical use of something for personal benefit, often at the expense of others or the resource itself.

How to use "has been exploiting" in a sentence?

You can use "has been exploiting" to describe a prolonged action, such as: "The company "has been exploiting" its workers for years" or "The government "has been exploiting" natural resources without considering environmental impact."