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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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has been sought

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been sought" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use "has been sought" to describe something that has been searched for or requested. For example: "The suspect of the crime has been sought by the police for the last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Further comment has been sought.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from Morrison's office.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from Scullion's office.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from Hunt's office.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from Bishop's office.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from Facebook.

News & Media

The Guardian

Irradiation dose molecular properties relationship has been sought.

Further comment has been sought from Clubs NSW.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from the defence minister, Marise Payne.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from the immigration minister, Scott Morrison.

News & Media

The Guardian

Comment has been sought from the Queensland police service.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been sought" when you want to indicate that something has been actively looked for or requested, often implying a process or effort involved in the search or request.

Common error

Avoid using "has been sought" in highly informal conversations or writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "looked for" or "asked for" in casual settings.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been sought" functions as the passive perfect form of the verb 'seek'. It's used to indicate that an action of searching or requesting has been completed at some point in the past and has relevance to the present. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been sought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating that something has been actively looked for or requested. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, so simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual settings. Remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "has been sought" or a more informal synonym.

FAQs

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

"Has been sought" is used to indicate that something has been actively looked for or requested. For example, "An alternative solution "has been sought" to address the increasing traffic congestion".

What are some alternatives to "has been sought"?

Alternatives include "has been requested", "has been pursued", or "has been desired", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has been sought" formal or informal?

"Has been sought" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "looked for" or "asked for" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "has been sought" and "has been searched for"?

While both indicate a search, "has been sought" implies a more deliberate or formal process of seeking, whereas "has been searched for" focuses more on the act of searching, often implying something is lost or hidden.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: