has been setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been setting" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense, indicating an ongoing action that started in the past and is still happening in the present. Example: The sun has been setting for hours, casting a beautiful glow over the ocean.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Picaroon has been setting for the Guardian since March 2012.

The Guardian

Phelps has been setting his alarm for around 5 a.m.

The New York Times - Sports

But who has been setting real interest rates?

The Economist

The Force Awakens has been setting records since its debut 17 December.

The Guardian - Film

Since 1923, Gramophone has been setting the standard as the world's best classical music magazine.

The Guardian

The average nationwide price of diesel fuel has been setting records.

The New York Times

Google, based in Mountain View, Calif., has been setting up giant data centers around the globe.

The New York Times - Tech

The Potomac River, around Washington, has been setting daily records for low water flow.

The New York Times

* Boatman has been setting cryptic puzzles for the Guardian since 2008.

The Guardian

In more routine cases, too, the court has been setting records.

The New York Times

Because for years Mom has been setting an appalling moral example.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been setting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being established or determined. For instance, "The company has been setting ambitious goals for the next quarter" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been setting" for actions that are already completed and no longer ongoing. Instead of saying "The committee has been setting the agenda last week", use "The committee set the agenda last week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been setting" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense. According to Ludwig, this indicates an action that began in the past and is ongoing. This usage is supported by numerous examples where entities are actively establishing standards, records, or agendas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been setting" is a versatile verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense, used to describe an ongoing action of establishing or determining something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that the context supports the ongoing nature of the action and avoid using it for static or completed events. Consider alternatives like "has been establishing" or "has been defining" to adjust the nuance as needed. Remember that mastering the correct tense usage significantly improves clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been establishing

Focuses more on the act of creating or founding something in a stable manner.

has been determining

Emphasizes the act of finding out or deciding something definitively.

has been dictating

Implies a strong influence or control over what is being established.

has been creating

Highlights the act of bringing something new into existence.

has been defining

Focuses on the act of clarifying or setting the boundaries of something.

has been pioneering

Suggests leading the way in a new area or field.

has been paving the way

Implies preparing a path for future developments or actions.

has been orchestrating

Suggests a complex and carefully managed process of setting something up.

has been initiating

Focuses on the act of starting or beginning something.

has been implementing

Emphasizes the practical execution or application of a plan or system.

FAQs

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

Use "has been setting" to describe an ongoing process of establishing something, such as "The organization "has been setting" new standards for environmental sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "has been setting"?

You can use alternatives like "has been establishing", "has been determining", or "has been defining" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has set" instead of "has been setting"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Has set" implies a completed action, while "has been setting" suggests an ongoing or repeated action. For example, "The company has set a record" vs. "The company "has been setting" new records every year".

What's the difference between "has been setting" and "is setting"?

"Has been setting" describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present, while "is setting" describes an action happening now. An example of the first is "The government "has been setting" new policies for years", while an example of the second is "The government is setting new policies right now".