has been possessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been possessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been owned or controlled by someone or something in the past and continues to be so in the present. Example: "The ancient artifact has been possessed by various collectors over the years, each adding to its storied history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's as if he has been possessed".

The Guardian

Every President to date has been possessed of a Y chromosome.

The New Yorker

You have a feeling, at such moments, that popular tradition has been possessed by an alien, ironic intelligence.

The New Yorker

"Rock music is really just the finish line for everything that has been possessed by terrible afflictions.

The Guardian - Music

Ever since, Thomas has been possessed by a kind of metric voyeurism in which he finds a sexual thrill in the measurement of human bodies.

The New York Times

To catch a likeness is, however remotely, to possess, and what has been possessed may be retained through the strange mnemonic chemistry of metaphor.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

No, Valerie Eliot had been possessed by love, and it stayed in her possession, and one felt complicit in it, talking to her.

The Guardian - Books

She had been possessed, she said, by a demon.

The New York Times

All controlled substances which have been possessed in violation of this subchapter.

Cornell University

The murder trial was delayed after he claimed to have been possessed, and was hearing voices.

Independent

Generations of haunted readers have been possessed by the sweet, terrible intensities of Brontë creativity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been possessed", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal, supernatural possession or a metaphorical sense of being strongly influenced or controlled. Be mindful of the connotations it carries.

Common error

Avoid using "has been possessed" when a milder term like "influenced" or "affected" is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can create a melodramatic or inaccurate portrayal of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been possessed" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that someone or something has undergone the action of being possessed. Ludwig confirms this, showcasing examples where it denotes a state of being controlled by an external force or influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been possessed" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a state of being controlled or influenced by an external force. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, from literal demonic possession to metaphorical influence. While grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of the connotations it carries and to use it appropriately to avoid overstatement. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been controlled

Focuses on direct management or regulation rather than supernatural influence.

has been influenced

Indicates a subtle effect or persuasion, not necessarily complete control.

has been dominated

Suggests forceful control or supremacy over something.

has been overtaken

Implies a displacement or replacement of something's original state.

has been consumed

Conveys a sense of being completely absorbed or destroyed.

has been seized

Highlights the act of taking control forcefully or abruptly.

has been afflicted

Suggests suffering from a negative condition or influence.

has been overwhelmed

Indicates being overpowered by something, often emotionally or physically.

has been consumed by

Describes the state of being completely engrossed or preoccupied.

has fallen under the sway of

Emphasizes the persuasive or seductive influence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "has been possessed" to describe a state where someone or something is controlled by an external force, spirit, or idea. For example, "The house "has been possessed" by a restless spirit."

What can I say instead of "has been possessed" to indicate a strong influence?

Alternatives include "has been influenced", "has been dominated", or "has been overwhelmed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "has been possessed" can sound dramatic. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives that convey control or influence in a more neutral tone, such as "has been controlled" or "has been affected by".

What's the difference between "has been possessed" and "has been influenced"?

"Has been possessed" suggests a complete takeover of control, often by a supernatural entity. "Has been influenced" implies a more subtle effect, where the subject is affected but not necessarily controlled completely.