has been inflicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been inflicted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event in which harm or suffering has been caused, typically as the result of deliberate action. For example, "The community has suffered greatly from the taxes that have been inflicted upon them by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But collateral damage has been inflicted even as the Big 12 hopes to heal.

The New York Times - Sports

Taxpayers doubtless feel that the robbery has been inflicted on them.

The Economist

Certainly damage has been inflicted that, in Cutler's estimation, cannot be undone.

The New Yorker

"The ideals are not destroyed, but I think a scar has been inflicted," Kim said.

The New York Times - Sports

For 20 years, sexual violence has been inflicted by militias and the Congolese army.

The Guardian

Incalculable damage has been inflicted on the Birmingham schools caught up in this affair and to their pupils and parents.

The Guardian

A cruel twist on this cycle has been inflicted on Arab citizens of Israel during the upheaval.

The New York Times

Many of the collections seem to mirror the miserably cold and wet weather that has been inflicted on Europe this season.

The New York Times

The Romney campaign is seeking to repair the political damage with women voters that advisers acknowledge has been inflicted by the Republican nominating fight.

The New York Times

The "wound" that Cruz is introducing here has been inflicted on a father, Emiliano Ritchie Costerr), and his daughter, Marina Elizabeth Rodriguezz).

The New Yorker

On one level, the video of this shooting raised obvious questions about how much more damage has been inflicted in Syria'a air force than is known.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been inflicted", ensure the subject clearly identifies what suffered the harm or negative consequence. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying who or what caused the action. For example, instead of vaguely stating "Damage has been inflicted", specify "The storm has inflicted damage on the coastal region".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been inflicted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject has received or experienced some form of harm or damage. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is used to describe events where suffering has been caused, often deliberately. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as damage inflicted on schools or suffering inflicted on individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been inflicted" is a common and grammatically sound passive voice construction used to describe the reception of harm or damage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to highlight the negative consequences endured by a subject, emphasizing the impact of an action. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the recipient of the harm to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "was subjected to" or "was caused" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By considering these factors, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was caused

A more general term indicating the origin of something, often harm or damage.

was subjected to

Emphasizes the experience of undergoing something, often unwanted or unpleasant.

was imposed

Focuses on the act of enforcement or imposition, rather than the resulting suffering.

was wreaked

Implies violent or destructive action causing significant damage.

was visited upon

Implies a sense of fate or external force causing the infliction.

was perpetrated

Emphasizes the commission of a wrongful or criminal act.

was exacted

Suggests a demand or requirement that must be fulfilled, often involving a cost.

was administered

Highlights the act of giving or applying something, often medicine or punishment.

was brought to bear

Highlights the application of force or pressure, often in a deliberate way.

was discharged

Signifies the release or application of something, such as energy or force.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been inflicted" indicates that someone or something has suffered harm or damage. For example, "Serious damage "has been inflicted on" the exchange by unreasonable compensation".

What are some alternatives to using "has been inflicted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was imposed", "was subjected to", or "was caused". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "has inflicted" instead of "has been inflicted"?

While "has inflicted" is grammatically correct, it changes the meaning. "Has inflicted" means someone or something has caused harm, while "has been inflicted" means someone or something has received harm. Therefore, the choice depends on whether you want to focus on the cause or the effect of the action.

What is the difference between "has been inflicted" and "has been affected"?

"Has been inflicted" implies a deliberate or forceful action that causes harm or suffering. "Has been affected" is more general and simply means that something has been influenced or changed, not necessarily negatively.