has been raped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been raped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing sexual violence, trauma, or legal matters related to such incidents. Example: "The survivor bravely shared her story, revealing that she has been raped and is now seeking justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The man has been raped, the woman has been raped.

The Guardian

Bozek replied: "She has been raped and beaten to death".

The Guardian

"We are fighting for dignity, which has been raped for 40 years".

The New York Times

"I think we owe it to every person who has been raped," Ms. Davis said.

The New York Times

A 23-year-old man has been raped and robbed in Sunderland, police said.

Independent

A woman has been raped in central London after asking a group of teenagers for directions.

Independent

How, after all, is it supposed to work, even for a woman who has been raped?

The New Yorker

In India, a woman who has been raped inevitably faces discrimination and social stigma.

The New York Times

She has been raped, strangled and — in a grisly detail — her nipples have been sliced off.

The New York Times - Books

In some families, a girl or woman who has been raped is cast out or shunned.

The New York Times

You see a three-year-old child who has been raped.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal cases, consider if using the phrase "has been raped" is the most accurate and ethical way to report or if other terminology is more suitable for the journalistic piece.

Common error

Avoid using euphemisms or language that minimizes the severity of the assault. Be direct and accurate, but always prioritize the survivor's dignity and privacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been raped" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that someone has been the recipient of a violent crime. It describes a completed action with the focus on the individual who experienced the assault, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been raped" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe an act of sexual violence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is commonly used in news reports, legal contexts, and academic discussions, primarily to report or describe such incidents. While accurate, sensitivity and careful consideration of the survivor's dignity are essential. Alternatives like "was sexually assaulted" may be appropriate depending on the context. Avoiding euphemisms and prioritizing accuracy are vital when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was sexually assaulted

Focuses on the act of sexual assault, using a more clinical term.

suffered sexual violence

Highlights the experience of violence, using a broader category.

was a victim of sexual assault

Emphasizes the person's status as a victim.

was sexually violated

Highlights the violation of personal boundaries and autonomy.

experienced sexual trauma

Focuses on the psychological impact of the assault.

was subjected to sexual abuse

Highlights the abusive nature of the act.

was attacked sexually

Emphasizes the aggressive and violent nature of the act.

was forced to have sex

Directly states the act of forced sexual intercourse.

was a survivor of rape

Focuses on the person's resilience and survival.

endured a sexual assault

Highlights the suffering and endurance involved.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "has been raped"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was sexually assaulted", "suffered sexual violence", or "was a victim of sexual assault".

How does the phrase "has been raped" differ from "was sexually assaulted"?

While both phrases refer to non-consensual sexual acts, "has been raped" specifically indicates penetration, while "was sexually assaulted" can encompass a wider range of offenses.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "has been raped" in journalistic writing?

Yes, but use it with careful consideration. Accuracy is paramount, but always prioritize the survivor's well-being and avoid unnecessary detail. Consider using phrases like "was sexually assaulted" when appropriate.

What legal implications are associated with the phrase "has been raped"?

Legally, "has been raped" describes a specific crime with precise definitions varying by jurisdiction. Use caution and ensure accurate terminology when discussing legal proceedings related to sexual assault.