has been oppressed

USAGE SUMMARY

'has been oppressed' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people who have been treated unfairly or kept down over a period of time. For example: "The indigenous population of this region has been oppressed for generations and continues to struggle for equal opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The whole of Libya has been oppressed by [Gaddafi] for 42 years.

The Guardian

This was, in other words, the now familiar sentiment of a majority that believes it has been oppressed by excessive accommodation of the minority.

The Guardian

Though this pressing question is left unanswered, we are firmly assured that the student in question is a "womanist" and has been oppressed accordingly.

The New York Times - Books

But according to the EIA, the tribe has been oppressed by both the government and the companies involved in the land grab.

Huffington Post

BJK: My pictures show the status of my inner mind that has been oppressed not to show sexual desires that may result in unpleasant interpersonal relationships socially.

Huffington Post

But the key, as Scafidi notes, is that cultural appropriation occurs specifically when it involves "a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. sacred objects".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It may seem odd that these American Indians are taking part in a holiday ritual that in the words of Bennie Armstrong, a stand owner, "celebrates the birth of a country that has been oppressing the Indians for hundreds of years".

The New York Times

"Such a stance simply reflects the male regime that is the Vatican which has been oppressing women for years, and fails to recognise the several places in the bible which call for equality between men and women," Ms Lumetzberger added.

The Guardian

- Saudi Arabia, with U.S. and U.K. arms, has been oppressing the majority Shia citizens of Bahrain in what has been called crimes against humanity by numerous NGOs.

Huffington Post

"Ranchers have been oppressed long enough".

The Guardian

For years, we have been oppressed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been oppressed", ensure the context clearly identifies the oppressor and the specific forms of oppression. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "has been oppressed" loosely or without specific evidence. Overgeneralizing the term can dilute its meaning and undermine the experiences of those who have genuinely suffered oppression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been oppressed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject has received the action of oppression. Ludwig examples confirm its usage to describe groups subjected to unfair or unjust treatment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been oppressed" is a passive verb phrase used to describe a state of prolonged unjust treatment or control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's a powerful term, it's important to use it accurately and avoid overgeneralization, as this can diminish its impact and disrespect the experiences of those who have genuinely suffered oppression. Consider alternatives like ""has suffered injustice"" or ""has been marginalized"" for nuanced meanings. By using "has been oppressed" responsibly, writers can contribute to a more informed and empathetic understanding of social issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has suffered injustice

Emphasizes the unfairness of the treatment experienced.

has faced persecution

Highlights the systematic targeting and mistreatment of a group.

has endured hardship

Focuses on the prolonged difficulties and struggles faced.

has been discriminated against

Emphasizes unfair treatment based on group characteristics.

has been repressed

Focuses on the suppression of freedoms and rights.

has been marginalized

Stresses the exclusion and social isolation experienced by a group.

has been exploited

Highlights the unfair use of a group for another's benefit.

has been disenfranchised

Highlights the denial of rights and privileges.

has been subjugated

Focuses on the act of being brought under control by force.

has been downtrodden

Stresses the state of being treated badly and without respect.

FAQs

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

Use "has been oppressed" to describe a group or individual that has experienced prolonged unjust treatment or control. For example, "The minority group "has been oppressed" for generations".

What are some alternatives to saying "has been oppressed"?

You can use alternatives like "has suffered injustice", "has faced persecution", or "has been marginalized" depending on the context.

Is it accurate to say anyone "has been oppressed"?

The term "has been oppressed" should be used carefully and accurately to describe situations where there is evidence of systematic and prolonged mistreatment or control. It's crucial to avoid trivializing the term by applying it to situations that do not meet this criteria.

What's the difference between "has been suppressed" and "has been oppressed"?

"Has been suppressed" refers to the act of restraining or preventing something from developing or being expressed, while ""has been oppressed"" refers to the prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control. Oppression often involves systematic suppression, but suppression does not necessarily constitute oppression.