has been softened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been softened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe that something has become less harsh, severe, or extreme over time. For example: "The government's approach to the issue of internet censorship has been softened in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That rule has been softened in response to student petitioning.

Princeton University

It has been softened by the goodwill of different eras.

The New York Times - Travel

Not that the material has been softened in any way.

The New Yorker

She suggests his brain has been softened by "too much reading".

The New York Times - Books

"Eat Right" has been softened to "Smart Eating," making it sound less like a command.

The New York Times

Pinochet's famously stern public countenance has been softened by the passage of time.

The New Yorker

The edge has been softened here -- not by revised writing, but by the tone Lapine sets.

The Washington Post

The sting has been softened because consumer and wholesale prices continue falling.

The New York Times

In a few minor ways, the conception of Lisbeth has been softened for American audiences.

The New Yorker

The proposed limit on bank bonuses of £2,000 has been softened.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the new episodes of "Rugrats," which reflect Klasky's concern about Angelica's "cruelty," the edge has been softened with sentimentality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been softened" to describe a deliberate or gradual reduction in the severity, intensity, or harshness of something. For instance, "The company's stance on remote work has been softened due to positive employee feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "has been softened" to describe physical objects that literally become softer. Instead, reserve it for abstract concepts or situations where there's a reduction in intensity or severity. For instance, it's more appropriate to say "The policy has been softened" rather than "The rock has been softened."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been softened" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has undergone a process of becoming less severe or intense. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where policies, rules, or even a person's character "has been softened."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been softened" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe a reduction in harshness or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms with numerous examples, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and its grammatical status is correct. When employing this phrase, consider the semantic nuances of related alternatives like "has been alleviated" or "has been mitigated" to ensure the most accurate conveyance of meaning. Also, be mindful of avoiding its misuse with literal physical softening. Ultimately, understanding these factors will help you effectively communicate your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been toned down

Suggests a deliberate effort to make something less intense or offensive.

has been lessened

Highlights a decrease in amount, intensity, or degree.

has been reduced

Directly indicates a decrease in quantity or size.

has been alleviated

Emphasizes the reduction of suffering or difficulty.

has been eased

Implies making something less difficult or problematic.

has been mitigated

Focuses on lessening the negative effects or impact.

has been tempered

Suggests a modification to achieve a balance, reducing harshness.

has been weakened

Focuses on a reduction in strength or power.

has been blunted

Indicates making something less sharp or intense.

has been diluted

Implies a reduction in concentration or purity.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been softened" to describe a situation where something has become less harsh, severe, or intense. For example: "The company's policy on working from home "has been softened" due to employee feedback."

What are some alternatives to "has been softened"?

Alternatives to "has been softened" include phrases like "has been alleviated", "has been mitigated", or "has been lessened", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has softened" instead of "has been softened"?

While "has softened" can be grammatically correct in some contexts, "has been softened" is generally used in the passive voice to indicate that something has been made less harsh or intense by an external force or influence. Using "has softened" may imply a natural or internal change.

What's the difference between "has been softened" and "has been weakened"?

"Has been softened" generally implies a reduction in harshness, severity, or intensity, while "has been weakened" suggests a reduction in strength or power. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a decrease in severity or a decrease in potency.