has been slain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been slain' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person or creature who is dead, either metaphorically or literally. For example: The brave knight who defended the kingdom has been slain in battle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Religion, many think, has been slain by the experimental method of science.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in the second half, after Tybalt has been slain by Romeo, Lady Capulet's disproportionate grief suddenly makes sense.

The New York Times

To which Mr. Raspberry responded, "Just for the hell of it, why don't we pretend the racist dragon has been slain already — and take that next step right now?" Mr. Raspberry won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1994.

The New York Times

There, we learn of a blind clockmaker who, on hearing that his son has been slain in the first world war, delivers an enormous clock he has made for a railway station.

The Guardian - Film

In the last shot, after the beast has been slain and order restored, the camera pans down 106th Street, into a burnt-out turret of the castle, then closes in on a giant egg hidden inside the ruin.

The New York Times

Grammatical perfection, at this point in the Internet age, has been slain by speed and buried by quantity.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Others will have to coach him on what to do now that that dragon has been slayed.

The New York Times

It includes the pianist Danilo Perez and the bassist John Patitucci (half of the Wayne Shorter quartet that has been slaying audiences for the last three years) and the guitarist Jerome Harris.

The New York Times

They wince at a particularly sharp blow, cheer for rappers from their crew, and it's eventually their booing and hissing that decides when someone has been slayed.

The Guardian - Film

Iman has been slaying runways and red carpets for nearly 40 years -- and Thursday night was no exception.

Huffington Post

Occasionally even family members have been slain.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been slain" to add a sense of drama or historical weight to your writing, especially when discussing battles, conflicts, or the downfall of individuals or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "has been slain" in modern, informal contexts where more common phrases like "has been killed" or "has died" would be more appropriate. Overuse can sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been slain" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that an action (slaying) has been completed and has a present relevance or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been slain" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily found in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig AI validated its usability. It denotes a death, often with dramatic or historical implications, serving to report a death. While grammatically sound, its formality means it's less suitable for casual conversation. Semantically related alternatives include "has been killed" and "has been murdered". When using this phrase, consider the impact of an old timey feel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been killed

This alternative is a more common and neutral way to express that someone has died violently.

has been murdered

This alternative specifies that the death was unlawful and intentional.

has been defeated

This alternative is used metaphorically to suggest a complete loss or failure.

has met their demise

This alternative is a more formal and euphemistic way to say someone has died.

has perished

This alternative offers a more literary and somewhat archaic way to express death.

has passed away

This alternative is a gentler, more euphemistic way to indicate that someone has died.

has succumbed

This alternative indicates yielding to a force or illness, leading to death.

has been terminated

This alternative uses a more clinical or detached term for being killed, often in formal or technical contexts.

has been eliminated

This alternative is often used when discussing the removal of a threat or obstacle, implying a deliberate act.

has breathed their last

This alternative is a poetic expression for the moment of death.

FAQs

What does "has been slain" mean?

"Has been slain" means that someone or something has been killed, often in a violent or dramatic way. It carries a sense of finality and is often used in literary or historical contexts.

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

The phrase "has been slain" is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of historical weight, drama, or formality. It's often used in discussions of battles, legends, or the metaphorical death of ideas.

What are some alternatives to "has been slain"?

Alternatives to "has been slain" include "has been killed", "has been murdered", "has been defeated", or "has passed away", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "has been slain" formal or informal language?

"Has been slain" is considered more formal and literary language. It is not typically used in everyday conversation. Instead it would be seen in reporting and historical texts.