has been free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has been in a state of freedom or lack of restrictions for a period of time up to the present. Example: "Since the new policy was implemented, the software has been free for all users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He has been free pending his appeal.

The New York Times

He has been free on bail.

The New York Times

Mr. Armstrong has been free on bail.

The New York Times

Spiritual assistance, however, has been free.

The New York Times

He has been free on bail pending the appeal.

The New York Times

The election campaign has been free of violence.

The Economist

And, unlike baseball, softball has been free of doping scandals.

The New York Times - Sports

This season, the unit has been free of injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Snipes has been free on bond for more than two years while appealing.

The New York Times

Haiti has been free of polio, measles and rubella since 2002.

The New York Times - Health

But unlike Kevorkian, Minelli has been free to help kill the suicidal without fear of prosecution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that "has been free" from a negative condition (e.g., "has been free of errors"), ensure clarity about the duration and scope of this freedom.

Common error

Avoid assuming that if something "has been free" of a problem, it will remain so indefinitely. Clearly state any conditions or limitations to the period of freedom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been free" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a condition or state of being that started in the past and continues to the present. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been free" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression indicating a state of freedom, availability, or exemption that began in the past and continues to the present. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the scope and duration of the freedom or exemption to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for broad application, but its specific meaning shifts depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has remained free

Indicates a continuation of the state of being free up to the present.

has been liberated

Suggests an active process of being freed, often from oppression or captivity.

has been exempt

Implies being excused from a rule, obligation, or payment.

has been cleared

Indicates the removal of charges, obstacles, or doubts.

has been released

Refers to being set free from confinement or obligation.

has enjoyed freedom

Emphasizes the experience and benefit of being in a state of freedom.

has been available

Highlights accessibility or lack of restriction in obtaining something.

has been immune

Suggests protection from something, such as disease or prosecution.

has been unburdened

Implies the removal of a weight or difficulty.

has not been subject to

Indicates exemption from a particular process, rule, or event.

FAQs

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

Use "has been free" to indicate that someone or something has experienced a state of liberation, exemption, or availability for a certain period. For example, "The software "has been free" to use since the update."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "has been free"?

Alternatives include "has remained free", "has been liberated", or "has been exempt", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been free from"?

Yes, "has been free from" is grammatically correct. It indicates the absence of something, such as "The area "has been free" from pollution since the factory closed."

What's the difference between "has been free" and "is free"?

"Has been free" implies a state that began in the past and continues to the present, while "is free" describes a current state. For example, "The prisoner "has been free" since his release last year," versus "The prisoner is free now".