has been turned back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been turned back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has been sent back or returned to a previous location or state. Example: "Due to the severe weather conditions, the flight has been turned back to the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Sadly the clock has been turned back in some places.

The New Yorker

Now that the term extension has run out, the spigot has been turned back on.

The New York Times - Books

"We have not just halted ISIL's momentum, it has been turned back.

The Guardian

But similar legislation has been turned back in other states recently.

The New York Times

It shows that Greece's economic clock has been turned back furthest: it has been rewound by over 12 years.

The Economist

Now that Communism has been turned back in one country after another, he is expected to return more often.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Police in Austria, which is the last point of transit before Germany, say its neighbour has been turning back hundreds of would-be refugees every day.

Independent

Bangladesh has been turning back boats filled with refugees from Myanmar Source: AFP A Rohingya man who brought his family from Myanmar to Bangladesh pleads with local authorities.

The Economist

Where other journalists have been turned back, they were taken captive.

The New York Times

I think the mileage counter may have been turned back prior to the sale.

Independent

Do I really think the Mayflower should have been turned back at Plymouth harbor?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been turned back" to describe situations where something or someone is literally or figuratively returned to a previous state or location. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being turned back and why.

Common error

Avoid using "has been turned back" when a simpler term like "rejected" or "returned" would be more appropriate. Overusing figurative language can make your writing seem convoluted. Always consider whether a more direct phrase would be clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been turned back" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. It typically describes an action where something or someone is forced to return to a previous state, location, or condition. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been turned back" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of a return, rejection, or reversal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in academic and formal settings. Its meaning is clear, and while alternatives exist, the phrase provides a specific nuance of being forced or caused to return. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being turned back and why, and avoid overuse in situations where simpler terms would suffice. The high frequency and authoritative sources support its wide acceptance in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been rolled back

Similar to reverting, but often used in the context of policies or regulations.

has been sent back

Emphasizes the action of returning something or someone to their origin.

has been rejected

Focuses on the aspect of being refused or denied, rather than a physical return.

has been sent away

Focuses on the action of causing someone or something to leave.

has been reverted

Implies a restoration to a previous version or condition.

has been reversed

Indicates a change of direction or a cancellation of a previous action.

has been restored

Suggests a return to a former, often better, condition.

has been forced to retreat

Highlights the element of compulsion or lack of choice in the return.

has been rebuffed

Emphasizes the abrupt or discourteous rejection.

has been declined

Highlights the act of refusing an offer or request.

FAQs

What does "has been turned back" mean?

The phrase "has been turned back" means that something or someone has been forced to return to a previous location or condition. It can also imply rejection or reversal of progress.

How can I use "has been turned back" in a sentence?

You can use "has been turned back" to describe a physical return (e.g., "The ship has been turned back due to the storm") or a figurative reversal (e.g., "The economic progress has been turned back by the recession").

What can I say instead of "has been turned back"?

You can use alternatives like "has been rejected", "has been sent back", or "has been reversed" depending on the context.

Is "has been turned back" formal or informal?

"Has been turned back" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though its frequency might vary depending on the register. In formal contexts, ensure that the phrase clearly communicates the intended meaning without ambiguity.