has been tempered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been tempered' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been softened or improved, either figuratively or metaphorically. For example, "After years of hard work and dedication, his success has been tempered by great respect from his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Its idealism has been tempered by experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The era of everyone talking freely has been tempered.

The Guardian

But, Ms. Piercy said, the boldness has been tempered.

The New York Times

Their outlook has been tempered by reason and contact with the modern world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Internationally, soccer's popularity has been tempered by repeated scandals involving corruption, gambling and match-fixing.

The New York Times - Sports

But the promise of automation has been tempered by the Web's success.

The New York Times - Tech

General Challenge's talent, however, has been tempered by a reputation for not handling adversity.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, some deal-making enthusiasm has been tempered by the problems of ImClone Systems.

The New York Times

For Mr. Loeser, though, this affection has been tempered by the trash bin's presence.

The New York Times

But the exhilaration inspired by raw height has been tempered since Sept. 11.

The New York Times

In general, though, the response to the museum has been tempered -- neither jingoistic nor remorseful.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been tempered", consider specifying what factor or influence caused the tempering. This provides context and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "has been tempered" when you simply mean something has been completely stopped or eliminated. Tempering implies moderation or adjustment, not complete removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been tempered" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb 'temper'. It indicates that the subject has undergone a process of moderation or adjustment, often to improve its resilience or balance. As shown by Ludwig, its use conveys a sense of controlled modification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been tempered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that suggests moderation or adjustment, often resulting in improved resilience or balance. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific writing. Its usage indicates that something has been made less extreme or more controlled. While synonyms like "has been moderated" or "has been softened" may be suitable alternatives, it's important to ensure the intended meaning aligns with the nuance of tempering, which implies a strengthening or improvement alongside moderation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been moderated

Focuses on the reduction of intensity or severity, similar to tempered.

has been softened

Implies a gentler or less harsh quality, akin to tempering something's edge.

has been mitigated

Highlights the lessening of negative effects or impact, much like tempering consequences.

has been lessened

Emphasizes a decrease in amount or intensity.

has been alleviated

Suggests a reduction in pain or difficulty, akin to tempering hardship.

has been restrained

Focuses on holding back or controlling something, similar to tempering impulses.

has been curbed

Indicates a limitation or restriction placed on something, much like tempering enthusiasm.

has been refined

Suggests improvement through careful adjustment, similar to tempering a skill.

has been conditioned

Highlights how something has been modified or prepared, like tempering steel.

has been adjusted

Implies a change made to achieve a better fit or result, similar to tempering expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been tempered" to indicate that something has been moderated or made less extreme. For example, "His initial enthusiasm "has been tempered" by the realities of the situation".

What are some alternatives to "has been tempered"?

Alternatives include phrases like "has been moderated", "has been softened", or "has been mitigated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "had been tempered" instead of "has been tempered"?

Yes, "had been tempered" is correct, but it refers to a past action completed before another point in the past. "Has been tempered" refers to an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present.

What's the difference between "has been tempered" and "has been dampened"?

"Has been tempered" suggests a moderation or strengthening through a controlled process, whereas "has been dampened" implies a reduction in enthusiasm or intensity, often by external factors. Tempering suggests improvement, while dampening suggests suppression.