has been masked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been masked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been concealed or hidden from view or understanding, often in contexts like data privacy or security. Example: "The sensitive information has been masked to protect the identities of the individuals involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The labor shortage has been masked by recession," he said.

The New York Times

As a black person I've always been hyper-aware of the injustice we face, of the racism that has been masked.

The Guardian - Music

It is possible that the potential harm has been masked in rich countries by the availability of ventilators to keep children alive.

The Guardian

Texas is changing �� it's been changing for decades, though that change has been masked by the stagnant predictability of politicians like Culberson.

The New Yorker

I just think their batsmen have played relatively poorly all tournament, something that has been masked by Dilshan and their bowling attack.

The Guardian - Sport

They have more MPs than at any time since 1929, but the extent of this achievement has been masked by the size of Labour's majority.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

(He said that in 2008, the problem might have been masked by the bear market).

The New York Times

When they have tried, communications from the group had been masked to appear as though they originated in Tel Aviv.

The Guardian

Across the country there is new awareness of achievement gaps that have been masked by averaging scores and highlighting successes.

The New York Times

Unresolved areas have been masked out.

Earth, Planets and Space

Thus, the effects of the eruption have been masked from onlookers for more than 125 years.

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been masked", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the masking and what is being hidden. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "has been masked" in situations where the meaning of "masked" is unclear or overly figurative. Using more direct language can improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been masked" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb "mask". It indicates that something has undergone the action of being concealed or obscured. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been masked" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that something has been concealed or obscured. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While it is generally appropriate for formal writing, careful attention to clarity is crucial. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential alternatives, writers can effectively employ "has been masked" to convey nuanced meanings in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been concealed

Replaces "masked" with a more general term for hiding something.

has been obscured

Suggests something has been made unclear or indistinct.

has been hidden

Similar to "concealed", but implies a more deliberate act of hiding.

has been covered up

Suggests a deliberate attempt to prevent something from being known.

has been disguised

Implies an alteration in appearance to prevent recognition.

has been veiled

Indicates that something is covered or concealed in a subtle way.

has been suppressed

Suggests that something has been forcibly kept from being expressed or known.

has been glossed over

Implies that something has been treated lightly or superficially to avoid scrutiny.

has been camouflaged

Suggests something is disguised to blend in with its surroundings.

has been swept under the rug

An idiomatic expression meaning that something has been ignored or concealed to avoid dealing with it.

FAQs

What does "has been masked" mean?

The phrase "has been masked" means that something has been concealed, hidden, or obscured, often to prevent it from being easily seen or understood. It implies that something exists, but its true nature is not immediately apparent.

What can I say instead of "has been masked"?

You can use alternatives like "has been concealed", "has been hidden", or "has been obscured" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "has been masked" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts where you need to describe how something is being concealed or obscured. However, consider the specific audience and context to ensure the language is clear and precise.

How does "has been masked" differ from "has been ignored"?

"Has been masked" implies that something is present but not easily seen or understood, while "has been ignored" means that something is deliberately disregarded, even if it is apparent. The former focuses on concealment, whereas the latter focuses on neglect.