has been riven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been riven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been split or torn apart, often in a metaphorical sense, such as relationships or communities. Example: "The once united community has been riven by conflict and disagreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it has been riven by factions.

The Economist

For his MDC has been riven with factional feuding.

The Economist

JJB has been riven by both internal and external battles.

The Guardian - Business

The office of homeland security has been riven with controversy.

The New York Times

But Mr. Stern's own union has been riven by dispute.

The New York Times

The Catholic Church, in particular, has been riven by revelations about decades of priestly child abuse.

The New York Times

Like the country's politicians, Pakistan's cricket establishment has been riven by scandals and feuding.

The Economist

Dagestan has been riven by violence because of a split between Salfists and more tolerant Sufis.

The New York Times

That government has been riven by power struggles between the two men's parties.

The New York Times

At the same time, United for Peace and Justice has been riven by internal dissent.

The New York Times

The southerners lost, several leaders fled into exile, and Yemen has been riven by conflicts ever since.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been riven", ensure the subject is something that can logically be divided or torn, either literally or figuratively. It works well with entities like countries, organizations, or relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "has been riven" to describe physical tearing unless you intend a metaphorical layer. Simpler verbs like "torn" or "split" are more appropriate for purely physical descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been riven" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has undergone a process of division or tearing. As shown by Ludwig, it typically describes a state of conflict or fragmentation that has affected a particular entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been riven" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a state of division or conflict, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the idea that something has been torn apart or deeply fragmented. While alternatives like "has been torn apart" or "has been divided" exist, "has been riven" offers a nuanced way to express significant disruption. Its usage is best suited for situations where a more impactful or evocative description of division is desired. Ludwig’s examples clearly illustrate that this phrase is most appropriate when describing complex and multifaceted issues rather than simple physical separations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been torn apart

This alternative emphasizes the act of something being forcefully separated or destroyed.

has been divided

Focuses on the separation into distinct parts or factions.

has been plagued by conflict

Highlights the presence of ongoing disputes or struggles.

has been fractured

Suggests a breaking or splintering of a previously whole entity.

has been beset by discord

Implies a state of disharmony and disagreement.

has suffered deep divisions

Emphasizes the profound nature of the separation.

has been disrupted

Focuses on the disturbance and interruption of normal operations or unity.

has experienced turmoil

Highlights a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

has faced internal strife

Emphasizes the presence of conflict within an organization or group.

has been fragmented

Suggests a breaking into smaller, disconnected parts.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has been riven"?

When something "has been riven", it means it has been split apart or deeply divided, often due to conflict or disagreement. It implies a significant disruption or fracture within the subject.

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

You can use "has been riven" to describe entities like countries, organizations, or relationships that have experienced significant division. For instance, "The political party has been riven by ideological differences."

What can I say instead of "has been riven"?

You can use alternatives like "has been torn apart", "has been divided", or "has been fractured" depending on the context.

Is "has been riven" formal or informal?

"Has been riven" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. It is suitable for news articles, academic writing, and professional communication, but might sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.