has been harnessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been harnessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been effectively utilized or controlled for a specific purpose. Example: "The energy from the sun has been harnessed to power the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To the extent that the atom has been harnessed (and despite all that no-nukes business, it's been harnessed plenty), Uncle Sam's role was central, from the Manhattan Project to manufacturing nuclear fuel.

The New York Times

The concept has been harnessed in the confocal scanning microscope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So far, though, little of it has been harnessed to produce energy.

The New York Times

The river's great hydroelectric potential has been harnessed at Macagua and Guri dams.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since the 1930s the Douro has been harnessed extensively for hydroelectric power and irrigation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) has been harnessed to engineer efficient enzymes for biocatalysis.

Trends in Biotechnology

We will investigate how violence has been harnessed, theorized and narrated in influential works in these subfields.

Stanford University

For example, less than 1 percent of the estimated 167 million kilowatts available in Alaska has been harnessed to date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The messy, contradictory energy of the yes movement has been harnessed - willingly - by the SNP's laser-guided election machine.

The Guardian

Inside, the sun has been harnessed to heat and light the spaces and to grow verdant plants.

The New York Times

"People absolutely love it, and so much energy and enthusiasm has been harnessed," says Noddy. "Life can be so insular.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been harnessed" to indicate that something, often a natural resource or abstract concept, has been effectively controlled and used for a specific purpose. Ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being harnessed and to what end.

Common error

Avoid using "has been harnessed" when a simpler verb like "used" or "applied" would suffice. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the control and direction of a powerful force or complex system.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "has been harnessed" is a verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. It indicates that an action (harnessing) has been completed, and its effect is still relevant. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been harnessed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey that something has been effectively controlled and utilized for a specific purpose. It appears most often in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's important to ensure the context clearly identifies what is being harnessed and to what end, avoiding overuse in situations where simpler verbs would suffice. Consider alternatives like ""has been utilized"" or ""has been leveraged"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been utilized

Focuses on the practical application or use of something.

has been leveraged

Emphasizes the strategic advantage gained from using something.

has been employed

Similar to "utilized", but can also suggest a more formal or deliberate use.

has been capitalized on

Highlights the act of taking advantage of an opportunity.

has been tapped

Implies accessing or drawing upon a resource.

has been exploited

Suggests using something for one's own benefit, sometimes with a negative connotation.

has been put to use

A more descriptive and less concise alternative, emphasizing the act of using something.

has been channeled

Suggests directing something towards a specific purpose.

has been directed

Similar to "channeled", but can also imply control or management.

has been commandeered

Suggests taking control of something, often for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "has been harnessed" mean?

The phrase "has been harnessed" means that something has been effectively utilized or controlled for a specific purpose. It implies that a resource, ability, or force is now being used in a productive way.

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

You can use alternatives like "has been utilized", "has been leveraged", or "has been employed" depending on the context.

How is "has been harnessed" used in a sentence?

The phrase "has been harnessed" is used to describe how something has been effectively used or controlled to achieve a specific goal. For example, "Solar energy has been harnessed to power homes".

Which is correct, "has been harnessed" or "was harnessed"?

"Has been harnessed" indicates a present perfect passive construction, meaning something was harnessed in the past and continues to be in a harnessed state. "Was harnessed" is a simple past passive construction, indicating an action completed in the past. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.