has been hung

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been hung" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of something being suspended or displayed, often referring to artwork or decorations. Example: "The painting has been hung in the gallery for everyone to admire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He has been hung out to dry.

Independent

"No one has been hung from the scaffold," he says.

Independent

"For now, Bo Xilai has been hung on the rack," the analyst said.

The New York Times

We think these 3 Senators should publicly disavow this label that has been hung on them.

The New Yorker

Scotland's First Minister, promised 6,000 jobs by 'The Donald' has been hung out to dry.

Independent

There, a string of bright laundry has been hung to dry.

The New York Times

Even the show's poster, which has been hung all over town, both attracts and deceives.

The New York Times

It seemed a clear, if temporary, defeat of an attorney general who has been hung in effigy here for months.

The New York Times

A previously claustrophobic, if tulip-lined, tunnel, has been hung with fluttering, transparent white panels; white roses in glass vials are suspended from the lofty ceiling.

The Economist

A leading Nobel laureate scientist who lost his job after making comments that were widely seen as sexist has said he has been "hung to dry".

Independent

And it is a canard, of course, that Mr. Spielberg, through his directing career, has been hung up on a child's point of view.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, specify the object or item that "has been hung". For example, instead of saying "the art has been hung", say "the painting has been hung in the gallery".

Common error

A common error is using "hanged" instead of "hung" when referring to objects. "Hanged" should only be used when referring to a person being executed by hanging. For example, say "the picture has been hung on the wall", not "the picture has been hanged on the wall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been hung" functions as a present perfect passive construction. It indicates that an action (hanging) has been completed, with the focus on the result of that action. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been hung" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a present perfect passive construction to describe something that has been suspended or displayed. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, although it is more common in the former. It's crucial to differentiate "hung" from "hanged", reserving the latter solely for executions. By considering context and employing synonyms when appropriate, you can effectively use "has been hung" to convey your intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been suspended

Maintains the present perfect tense while using a different verb.

has been put up

Simple rewording using a phrasal verb.

was displayed

Substitutes "hung" with a synonym emphasizing visual presentation.

has been exhibited

Similar to 'displayed' but suggests a formal presentation.

has been showcased

Replaces "hung" with a verb indicating prominent display.

was suspended

Replaces the present perfect tense with a simple past, focusing on the action's completion.

has been mounted

Offers an alternative verb implying secure attachment.

has been affixed

Suggests a more formal or permanent attachment.

has been draped

Implies a covering or decorative suspension.

has been halted

Indicates a cessation or obstruction rather than suspension.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been hung" is used to describe something that has been suspended or displayed. For instance, you can say "The painting has been hung in the museum", or "The laundry "has been hung out to dry"".

What's the difference between "has been hung" and "has been hanged"?

"Has been hung" refers to the action of suspending an object, like a picture or a decoration. "Has been hanged" refers specifically to execution by hanging. Using "hanged" for objects is incorrect. Only people are "hanged"; objects are "hung".

What are some alternatives to "has been hung"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was displayed", "has been suspended", "has been mounted", or "has been exhibited". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the issue has been hung up"?

Yes, the expression "has been hung up" can be used to describe a situation that is delayed or unresolved, as in "The decision "has been hung up" due to regulatory issues". This is a valid idiomatic usage.