Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
has been sought
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
has been requested
has been pursued
has been desired
looked for
asked for
has been searched for
has been looked for
has been aimed for
has been strived for
has been intended
has been solicited
was designated
was picked
has been sponsored
has been ordered
has been instructed
has been strived
was nominated
has been summoned
has been striven
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Further comment has been sought.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from Morrison's office.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from Scullion's office.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from Hunt's office.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from Bishop's office.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from Facebook.
News & Media
Irradiation dose molecular properties relationship has been sought.
Further comment has been sought from Clubs NSW.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from the defence minister, Marise Payne.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from the immigration minister, Scott Morrison.
News & Media
Comment has been sought from the Queensland police service.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
has been requested
Changes the verb to "requested", indicating a formal asking for something.
has been pursued
Emphasizes the active effort to obtain something.
has been desired
Focuses on the wanting or wishing for something.
has been searched for
Highlights the act of looking for something, often implying it is lost or hidden.
has been looked for
Similar to "searched for", but slightly more informal.
has been aimed for
Indicates a goal or target that someone is trying to achieve.
has been strived for
Suggests a strong effort and determination to achieve something.
has been intended
Focuses on the purpose or plan behind something.
has been solicited
Implies a formal request, often for something like opinions or donations.
has been courted
Indicates an attempt to win over or gain the favor of someone or something.
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.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested