has been heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been increased or intensified over a period of time. Example: "The tension in the room has been heightened by the recent events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their indignation has been heightened by two unfortunate incidents.

The Economist

Market risk has been heightened by the recent recession.

The New York Times

Inequality has been heightened, and the stakes have been raised.

The Guardian

But it has been heightened for the screen.

The Guardian - Film

"I think his discipline has been heightened," Isiah Thomas said.

The New York Times - Sports

This has been heightened most recently because of the threat of terrorism.

Pattern Recognition Letters

On both sides of this growing rivalry, the intensity has been heightened.

The New York Times - Sports

The intrigue has been heightened by revelations that Ms McNally was previously married to Mr Roach.

Independent

The feeling that Murdoch is a betrayer has been heightened by shifts in his political position.

The New Yorker

The attention has been heightened by renewed allegations about organized crime.

The New York Times

Unease in Latin America has been heightened by Donald Trump's recent rhetoric.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been heightened", consider if a more specific verb like "intensified", "amplified", or "enhanced" might provide a more precise meaning and stronger impact.

Common error

Avoid using "has been heightened" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "increased" or "raised" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been heightened" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a particular quality, state, or condition has experienced an increase in intensity or degree. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been heightened" is a versatile passive verb phrase that denotes an increase in intensity, awareness, or significance across diverse contexts. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia, lending itself to formal and neutral registers. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it's crucial to consider the specific context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in more casual settings. Using "has been heightened" effectively involves understanding its nuanced implications and ensuring it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been intensified

Focuses on an increase in strength or degree of something.

has been amplified

Implies a significant increase in volume, impact, or effect.

has been enhanced

Suggests an improvement in quality or desirability.

has been augmented

Indicates something has been added to increase its size or value.

has been exacerbated

Highlights a worsening or aggravation of a situation.

has been sharpened

Suggests a clearer focus or definition.

has been magnified

Implies an increase in apparent size or importance.

has been escalated

Focuses on an increase in the level or intensity, often in a negative context.

has been accentuated

Suggests that something has been made more noticeable or prominent.

has been stressed

Implies an emphasis or highlighting of something.

FAQs

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

Use "has been heightened" to indicate that something has increased in intensity, degree, or prominence. For example, "Security "has been heightened" at the airport after the recent threats".

What are some alternatives to "has been heightened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "has been intensified", "has been amplified", or "has been enhanced" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "has been heightened" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been heightened" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing an increase in something abstract like tension, awareness, or concern. It is frequently used in news reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What's the difference between "has been heightened" and "has increased"?

"Has been heightened" often implies an increase in something less tangible or more emotionally charged, like tension or anxiety. "Has increased" is a more general term for any kind of increase. Therefore, the choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.