has been sealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been sealed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been closed or secured, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The envelope has been sealed to ensure the confidentiality of its contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The city centre has been sealed.

The Economist

The beach area has been sealed off".

The Guardian

Only the main road has been sealed.

The Guardian

The office has been sealed for the past six weeks.

The New Yorker

A first US Masters appearance has been sealed for April.

The Guardian - Sport

Since then, the site has been sealed in reinforced concrete.

The New York Times

A door has been sealed shut with newspaper.

The New York Times - Arts

Bremer's apartment has been sealed, and is under police guard.

The New York Times

Only it has been sealed firmly, and disturbingly, shut.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To the south, Gaza has been sealed off by Egypt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It could have been sealed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a legal document or agreement, use "has been sealed" to emphasize its official and binding nature. For example, "The contract has been sealed, ensuring its validity."

Common error

Avoid using "has been sealed" in casual conversation or informal writing when simpler alternatives like "closed" or "finished" would be more appropriate. Overuse can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been sealed" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that an action of sealing was completed in the past and its effects are still relevant in the present. This usage aligns with Ludwig's findings, showcasing its prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been sealed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in the English language, as confirmed by Ludwig. Functioning as a passive perfect construction, it indicates that an action of sealing occurred in the past and its effects continue to be relevant. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of closure, finality, or restriction. While versatile, it's advisable to reserve its use for formal or neutral settings, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Ludwig's analysis underscores its grammatical correctness, consistent usage across authoritative sources, and clear communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been closed off

Focuses on the action of physically preventing access.

has been blocked off

Similar to 'closed off', this implies a barrier is in place.

has been shut down

Implies a more forceful or permanent cessation of activity.

has been locked down

Suggests strict security measures have been put in place.

has been secured

Emphasizes the act of making something safe or protected.

is now off-limits

Indicates that something is prohibited or restricted.

has been finalized

Highlights the completion or conclusion of a process or agreement.

has been concluded

Similar to 'finalized' but often used in more formal contexts like reports or investigations.

has been rendered inaccessible

Emphasizes that something is now impossible to reach or enter.

has been made airtight

Implies something is completely closed to prevent any leakage.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been sealed" to indicate that something has been officially closed, secured, or finalized. For example: "The document "has been sealed" by the court" or "The area "has been sealed" off by the police".

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

Alternatives include "has been closed off", "has been finalized", "has been secured", depending on the specific context. The best choice will reflect the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "the agreement has been sealed" or "the agreement was sealed"?

Both "the agreement has been sealed" and "the agreement was sealed" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Has been sealed" (present perfect) suggests a state that continues to be in effect, while "was sealed" (simple past) simply indicates a past action. Choose the tense that best fits your intended meaning.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "has been sealed"?

The phrase "has been sealed" is suitable in formal contexts such as legal proceedings, official announcements, or when describing security measures. It is especially appropriate when emphasizing the official or permanent nature of a closure or agreement.