has been serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been serious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has been ongoing and is characterized by seriousness or gravity. Example: "The situation has been serious since the outbreak began, requiring immediate attention from authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This time however, the operation has been serious and remarkably successful.

The Economist

There has been serious soil erosion, and skeletal soils occur on the steeper slopes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The issue of unemployment has been serious for a long time, especially among young graduates.

The Guardian

The impact on health has been serious – 14% of the population has diabetes.

The Guardian

There has been serious damage to historic buildings and rural structures.

The Guardian

And while Mr. Lee's investment has been serious — about $1.4 million — the tone of the campaign has sometimes been looser.

The New York Times

The O.A.S. observer mission has been serious and constructive, and deserves the full backing of its member states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

There have been serious sacrifices, of course.

The New York Times

Some threats have been serious, others less so.

The Economist

There had been serious complications in the delivery.

The New Yorker

There have been serious concessions on both sides.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been serious" to underscore the weight of a situation or action, particularly when discussing consequences or the need for immediate attention. Ensure the context clearly establishes what "has been serious" and why.

Common error

Avoid using "has been serious" in casual conversation or informal writing where a less formal expression would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been serious" functions as a stative verb phrase emphasizing the enduring nature of a serious condition or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, evidenced by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been serious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights the enduring significance and potential consequences of a situation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability across varied contexts, notably news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best suited for formal communication where clarity and emphasis are paramount. Alternatives like "has been critical" or "has been grave" can offer similar nuances, but choosing the right substitute depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Keep in mind that the phrase, despite its correctness, may be too dramatic in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been critical

Emphasizes the urgency and potential for negative outcomes if not addressed.

has been grave

Highlights the solemn and concerning nature of the situation.

has been significant

Indicates a considerable impact or importance.

has been severe

Stresses the harshness or intensity of the situation.

has been acute

Suggests a sudden and intense onset or escalation.

has been pressing

Conveys a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action.

has been momentous

Highlights the historical importance or lasting impact.

has been alarming

Emphasizes the cause for concern and potential danger.

has been substantial

Indicates a considerable amount or degree.

has been considerable

Similar to substantial, suggesting a noteworthy amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been serious" to describe a situation or event that has had significant and potentially negative consequences. For example, "The impact of the budget cuts "has been serious", affecting several key departments."

What are some alternatives to "has been serious"?

Alternatives include "has been critical", "has been grave", or "has been significant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "has been serious"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the weight or severity of a situation or event, particularly in formal or professional contexts where clear and direct communication is important.

What's the difference between "has been serious" and "was serious"?

"Has been serious" implies that the seriousness continues to the present, while "was serious" suggests the seriousness is in the past. For example, "The illness "has been serious", and the patient requires ongoing care" versus "The illness was serious, but the patient has now recovered".