has been stepped up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been stepped up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action or effort has been increased or intensified, often in response to a situation or need. Example: "In light of recent events, security measures have been stepped up to ensure the safety of all attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Covert action has been stepped up, too.

The New York Times

Security has been stepped up in Sana'a.

The Guardian

Under General Petraeus, the tempo of operations has been stepped up enormously.

The New York Times

Security along the Algerian border has been stepped up, yet passage to Niger remains wide open.

The Economist

Nigerian papers report that security has been stepped up around Mr Taylor's villa.

The Economist

But the pace has been stepped up, bringing disruption for citizens.

The Economist

Security at Islamabad's international airport has been stepped up following threats of an imminent suicide attack.

The Guardian

Articles included a rundown of how security has been stepped up around Paris.

The New York Times

Security at airports around Britain has been stepped up considerably since Sept. 11, of course.

The New York Times

The terrorist risk level on French soil has been stepped up to maximum.

The Guardian

Security in the UK has been stepped up after Friday's attack in Paris in which 129 people were killed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been stepped up" when you want to convey that an action, process, or measure has been significantly increased or intensified. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being increased and why.

Common error

Avoid using "has been stepped up" in situations where a simple increase is meant, without a sense of urgency or significant change. Opt for words like "increased" or "raised" for minor adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been stepped up" functions as a passive construction indicating that an action or measure has been increased in intensity or frequency. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts related to security, operations, and efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been stepped up" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It indicates that an action or measure has been intensified. Predominantly found in neutral registers like News & Media, it serves the purpose of informing the audience about increased efforts, often in response to specific needs. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Related phrases such as "has been increased" or "has been enhanced" can provide alternatives depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been intensified

Emphasizes a greater degree of intensity in the action.

has been increased

Focuses on a quantifiable rise in the level of activity.

has been enhanced

Highlights the improvement in quality or effectiveness.

has been augmented

Suggests an addition or supplement to increase effectiveness.

has been escalated

Implies a rapid increase, often in a problematic situation.

has been amplified

Emphasizes the magnitude or reach of the action.

has been boosted

Indicates a positive increase or support.

has been reinforced

Focuses on strengthening or supporting an existing structure or action.

has been accelerated

Highlights the speeding up of a process.

has been upgraded

Suggests an improvement to a higher standard or level.

FAQs

How can I use "has been stepped up" in a sentence?

Use "has been stepped up" to indicate an increase or intensification of an activity. For example, "Security "has been stepped up" at the airport after the threat."

What are some alternatives to "has been stepped up"?

You can use alternatives like "has been increased", "has been enhanced", or "has been intensified" depending on the context.

Is "has been stepped up" formal or informal?

The phrase "has been stepped up" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might exist depending on the specific situation.

Which is correct, "has been stepped up" or "was stepped up"?

"Has been stepped up" implies the action is ongoing or recently completed with continuing relevance, while "was stepped up" refers to a past action with no implication of continuation. Choose based on the intended meaning.