has been hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been hurt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has experienced emotional or physical pain in the past and is still affected by it. Example: "She has been hurt by the betrayal of her closest friend, and it has taken her a long time to trust again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So far, no one has been hurt.

The New York Times

Santana Moss has been hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

Tourism has been hurt, too.

The New York Times

"The family name has been hurt.

The New York Times

Not a single tourist has been hurt".

The New York Times - Travel

But it is Morocco that has been hurt.

The Economist

They will defend themselves because their pride has been hurt".

Independent

Happily, no Armenian has been hurt (or deported) so far.

The Economist

Everybody in this locker room has been hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

She doesn't even consider that daddy has been hurt.

The New Yorker

However, Liberty has been hurt in other ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been hurt", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to physical, emotional, or other types of harm. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been hurt" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "His feelings have been hurt by her comments", consider "Her comments hurt his feelings" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been hurt" functions as a passive construction in the present perfect tense. It describes a state resulting from a past action, where the subject has experienced some form of harm, be it physical, emotional, or otherwise. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is grammatically sound and widely utilized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been hurt" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe a state of being affected by a past injury or harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a range of contexts, particularly within News & Media. While versatile, it's important to choose the active or passive voice carefully for clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "has suffered" or "has been injured" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "has been hurt" to communicate the lasting consequences of past events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has suffered

Focuses on the experience of enduring something negative.

has been injured

Emphasizes physical harm or damage.

has been damaged

Highlights the impairment or weakening of something.

has been affected

Indicates a change or influence, often negative.

has sustained injuries

Focuses specifically on physical wounds or trauma.

has taken a beating

Implies severe damage or defeat.

has felt the sting

Highlights the emotional pain caused by something.

has borne the brunt

Emphasizes enduring the worst part of a negative experience.

has been wounded

Focuses on the lasting impact of an injury, either physical or emotional.

has experienced trauma

Highlights a deeply distressing or disturbing event.

FAQs

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

Use "has been hurt" to describe a past action that resulted in someone or something experiencing damage or pain. For example, "The company "has been hurt" by the recent economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "has been hurt"?

You can use alternatives such as "has suffered", "has been injured", or "has been damaged" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have been hurt" instead of "has been hurt"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has been hurt" with singular subjects (e.g., "he", "she", "it") and "have been hurt" with plural subjects (e.g., "they", "we").

What's the difference between "has been hurt" and "was hurt"?

"Has been hurt" implies a continuing effect from a past event, while "was hurt" simply describes a past event. For example, "He "has been hurt" by the accident and still needs therapy" versus "He "was hurt" in the accident yesterday."