has been spilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been spilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a liquid has been accidentally poured out or leaked, often in the context of a recent event. Example: "The coffee has been spilled all over the table, creating a mess that needs to be cleaned up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Blood has been spilled on both sides.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, limonata has been spilled on Nicholson's jacket.

The New Yorker

Much ink has been spilled analysing its appeal to Americans.

The Economist

He asked, "Brother Osama, how much blood has been spilled?

The New Yorker

Much ink has been spilled analysing this judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The blood you have spilled has been spilled in vain".

The New York Times

Much ink has been spilled on the evils of gambling as a social scourge.

Independent

Much ink has been spilled by columnists criticising the name, which some newspapers refuse to use.

The Economist

"What is clear, however, is that Malaysian blood has been spilled.

The New York Times

Much ink has been spilled on these four justices before, not least by the men themselves.

The Economist

In the persistent war over the land, blood has been spilled on both sides.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "has been spilled". It often implies an irreversible action or a loss. Ensure this aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "has been spilled" excessively in metaphorical contexts where more precise language could be used. Overusing the phrase can weaken your writing. Instead of writing "much anger has been spilled", which is correct, think about its meaning and consider alternatives like "much anger has been voiced", "much anger has manifested" or "much anger has erupted" depending on the correct meaning that you are trying to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been spilled" functions as a present perfect passive construction. It indicates that a past action of spilling has occurred and has a continuing relevance or result in the present. Ludwig provides many examples in support of this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been spilled" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something has been poured out or revealed, often with lasting consequences. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, be mindful of potential overuse in metaphorical contexts, where precise alternatives may provide clearer and more impactful communication. To enhance clarity, always specify what "has been spilled" and tailor your choice depending on register and connotation to achieve the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was poured out

Highlights the action of pouring something out, often unintentionally.

was leaked

Highlights the unintentional release of information or a substance.

was discharged

Focuses on the action of something being released or unloaded.

has been discharged

Emphasizes the release or emission of something.

was diffused

Emphasizes the spread or distribution of something.

has been disseminated

Highlights the widespread distribution of something.

has been diffused

Focuses on the spreading or scattering of something.

was revealed

Emphasizes the uncovering or disclosure of something previously hidden.

was disclosed

Indicates the formal release of information.

has been unleashed

Suggests a forceful or uncontrolled release.

FAQs

How is "has been spilled" used in a sentence?

"Has been spilled" indicates that something, either literally or figuratively, has been poured out or revealed. For example, "The milk "has been spilled"," or "The secret "has been spilled"."

What phrases are similar to "has been spilled"?

Similar phrases include "was leaked", "was revealed", or "was disclosed", depending on the context.

Is "has been spilled" correct, or should I use another tense?

"Has been spilled" is the present perfect passive tense. Its appropriateness depends on the context. For example, use "was spilled" for a simple past event.

What's the difference between "has been spilled" and "was spilled"?

"Has been spilled" (present perfect) suggests the action has relevance to the present, while "was spilled" (simple past) refers to a completed action in the past without direct connection to the present. For example: "The news "has been spilled", and everyone knows now" vs "The drink was spilled during the party".