has been modifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been modifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or change that started in the past and continues to the present, often in contexts related to grammar, behavior, or conditions. Example: "The software has been modifying its algorithms to improve performance over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Moments like that shape a legacy, and James has been modifying his all spring.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Robinov, taking notice of changing industry economics and shifting consumer tastes, has been modifying that blueprint.

The New York Times

The company has been modifying its merchandise mix to add more fashion and lower prices as teenagers have gravitated to lower-price retailers in the downturn, like Aeropostale and the privately held Forever 21.

The New York Times

Josh Davis, in a blog post Tuesday on a site called LLSocial, says that Pinterest has been modifying some "pins," or links to the items that users want to share with others, like a cute set of tea cups or a pair of boots.

The New York Times

First, reduced uncertainty about age at death likely has been modifying the decisions especially of older individuals concerning savings, consumptions, and the purchase of life and long-term care insurance.

Health Economics Review

HIV infection has been modifying both the epidemiology and outcome of parasitic infections.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Diamondbacks' self-perception has been modified as well.

The New York Times - Sports

The verblessness has been modified over the years.

The Guardian

It has been modified since Mr. Schlanger wrote his criticism.

The New York Times

(Note: this version has been modified to fit your screen).

The New York Times

One room has been modified for guests with disabilities.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been modifying" to describe gradual changes or adjustments that are ongoing. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing processes that evolve over time.

Common error

Avoid using "has been modifying" when describing a completed action. This phrase implies an ongoing process, so use the past perfect tense (had modified) if the action is finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been modifying" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense. It describes an action that began in the past and is still continuing. As Ludwig AI explains, it's appropriate for describing evolving situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been modifying" is a grammatically correct verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense, used to describe ongoing changes or adjustments. While Ludwig identifies it as accurate and usable, its frequency is uncommon. It appears primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. Related phrases include "has been adjusting" and "has been altering". When using this phrase, ensure you're describing an action that is still in progress, and be mindful of the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been adjusting

Emphasizes fine-tuning or adapting to new conditions.

has been altering

Suggests a more significant change or transformation.

has been adapting

Highlights the process of becoming suitable for a new purpose.

has been transforming

Indicates a fundamental change in form or nature.

has been revising

Focuses on the act of reviewing and making corrections.

has been amending

Implies a formal or legal change.

has been reshaping

Suggests a change in the overall structure or form.

has been refining

Emphasizes the process of improving something through small changes.

has been tuning

Focuses on precise adjustments to optimize performance.

has been tweaking

Implies small, often experimental changes.

FAQs

How is "has been modifying" used in a sentence?

Use "has been modifying" to indicate an ongoing process of change or adjustment that started in the past and continues to the present. For example, "The company "has been modifying" its approach to customer service."

What are some alternatives to "has been modifying"?

You can use alternatives like "has been adjusting", "has been altering", or "has been adapting" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "has modified" instead of "has been modifying"?

"Has modified" indicates a completed action, while "has been modifying" indicates an ongoing action. Use "has modified" when the change is finished and "has been modifying" when the change is still in progress.

Is "has been modifying" formal or informal?

"Has been modifying" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context and surrounding language will ultimately determine the overall level of formality.