has been persecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been persecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or a group that has faced ongoing mistreatment or oppression over a period of time. Example: "Throughout history, many religious minorities have been persecuted for their beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

She has been persecuted, not prosecuted.

The New York Times

He added, "We feel the school has been persecuted".

The New York Times

"Mezcal has been persecuted since its origins," he says.

The Guardian

"No book has been persecuted as much or loved as much.

The New York Times

Her supporters say she has been persecuted because of her religion.

The New York Times

She has been persecuted by Alexander Lukashenko's dictatorial regime, which made her leave Belarus in 2000.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Saddam has been persecuting the Kurds ever since he took power, more than twenty years ago.

The New Yorker

Throughout history, moneylenders have been persecuted.

The Economist

To be a refugee you need to have been persecuted".

The New York Times - Books

In consequence, some populations have been persecuted nearly to extinction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Legal activists had said Mr. Li had been persecuted for defending unpopular clients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been persecuted" when you want to emphasize a sustained and systematic pattern of mistreatment or oppression. This phrase suggests that the actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign.

Common error

Avoid using "has been persecuted" if the situation involves isolated incidents of unfairness or discrimination. The phrase implies a systematic and ongoing pattern of severe mistreatment, and using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of genuine cases of persecution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been persecuted" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a subject has undergone a sustained period of mistreatment or oppression. It is often used to highlight the suffering and injustice experienced by the subject. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been persecuted" is a powerful way to describe sustained mistreatment or oppression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As demonstrated by the examples, it's frequently used in News & Media to describe the experiences of individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts subjected to unjust treatment. Understanding its nuances is crucial to using it effectively and avoiding overstatement. Remember to consider the severity and ongoing nature of the mistreatment before employing this phrase. Alternatives like ""has suffered oppression"" or ""has faced discrimination"" may be more appropriate in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been oppressed

Focuses on the state of being under oppressive rule or control.

has suffered oppression

Focuses on the suffering endured due to oppressive actions, rather than the active persecution.

has faced discrimination

Highlights unfair treatment and bias, without necessarily implying systematic persecution.

has been victimized

Emphasizes the individual or group as a victim of harmful actions, broader than just persecution.

has been subjected to injustice

Highlights unfair or inequitable treatment, which may or may not constitute persecution.

has been unfairly targeted

Suggests a deliberate focus on the individual or group, but not necessarily with the severity of persecution.

has been marginalized

Emphasizes the state of being pushed to the fringes of society, often a consequence of persecution.

has been tormented

Highlights the mental and emotional suffering inflicted on the individual or group.

has been ill-treated

General term for bad or unfair treatment, lacking the intensity of persecution.

has been harassed

Focuses on persistent annoying or threatening behavior, often a component of persecution.

FAQs

What does "has been persecuted" mean?

The phrase "has been persecuted" means that someone or a group of people has been subjected to persistent mistreatment, oppression, or harassment, often due to their religion, ethnicity, or beliefs.

What are some synonyms for "has been persecuted"?

Alternatives to "has been persecuted" include "has suffered oppression", "has faced discrimination", or "has been oppressed", depending on the specific context.

How is "has been persecuted" different from "has been discriminated against"?

"Has been persecuted" implies a more severe and systematic form of mistreatment than "has been discriminated against". Persecution often involves violence, imprisonment, or other forms of severe oppression, whereas discrimination can encompass a wider range of unfair treatment.

Is it appropriate to use "has been persecuted" to describe a company's tax situation?

While the phrase can be used metaphorically, it's important to consider the connotations. Using "has been persecuted" in the context of a company's tax situation might be seen as hyperbolic unless there's evidence of truly unfair and targeted treatment by tax authorities.