has been heightening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been heightening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing increase or intensification of something over a period of time. Example: "The tension in the room has been heightening as the deadline approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One of the biggest challenges in designing itineraries for gay travelers, Mr. Malhotra said, has been heightening the sensitivity of the hospitality industry.

The New York Times

Opponents have until Tuesday to appeal to the United States Supreme Court, and as that date nears anxiety on both sides has been heightening.

The New York Times

As Mr. Edwards sounds his populist theme and evokes a homespun persona, Mr. Kerry has been heightening his military past with the help of Mr. Cleland and Gen. Wesley K. Clark.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been heightening" to describe a gradual increase in intensity or sensitivity, particularly in situations where the process is ongoing and noticeable over time. This phrase is best suited for formal writing and nuanced descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "has been heightening" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "increasing" or "rising" are often more appropriate and natural in everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been heightening" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. This indicates an action that began in the past and is still ongoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an ongoing increase or intensification.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been heightening" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used in the present perfect continuous tense to describe an ongoing process of intensification. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's relatively rare. Its primary function is to describe a gradual increase, most commonly found in news and media contexts. For more casual conversation or informal writing, consider simpler alternatives like "increasing" or "rising". The phrase's nuance lies in its emphasis on the continuous and ongoing nature of the process being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been increasing

Replaces "heightening" with a more common synonym for increasing.

has been intensifying

Similar to "heightening" but emphasizes the strengthening of something.

has been escalating

Implies a more rapid and dramatic increase than "heightening".

has been growing

A more general term for increasing in size or extent.

has been amplifying

Suggests an increase in magnitude or effect.

has been augmenting

Indicates adding to something to increase its size or value.

has been magnifying

Suggests making something appear larger or more important.

has been building

Suggests a gradual increase over time.

has been accumulating

Implies a gathering or collecting of something that leads to an increase.

has been sharpening

Implies an increase in intensity and focus

FAQs

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

Use "has been heightening" to describe an ongoing process of intensification. For example, "The tension in the negotiations "has been heightening" as the deadline approaches".

What are some alternatives to "has been heightening"?

You can use alternatives like "has been increasing", "has been escalating", or "has been intensifying" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "has been heightening" or "has been heightened"?

"Has been heightening" describes an ongoing process, while "has been heightened" describes a completed action or state. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects whether the increase is still in progress.

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

"Has been heightening" implies a process that started in the past and continues to the present, while "is heightening" describes something that is currently in the process of increasing. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration of the process.