has been very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been very" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition that has existed for a period of time, often followed by an adjective. Example: "The project has been very successful, exceeding all our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This has been very painstaking".

The New York Times

That has been very positive.

The New York Times

"It has been very painful".

The New York Times

This has been very effective.

Independent

Harrison has been very effective.

The New Yorker

"LinkedIn has been very effective.

The New York Times

LEDA has been very successful.

The New York Times

He has been very inclusive".

The New York Times

"Everybody has been very supportive.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It has been very instructive.

Harvard University

He has been very nice about it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when selecting an adjective after "has been very". Adjust the level of formality and the specificity of the language to suit the intended readers or listeners.

Common error

Avoid pairing "has been very" with overly general adjectives like "good" or "bad". Opt for more descriptive and precise words to communicate the specific qualities or characteristics you want to emphasize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been very" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, typically modifying a subject. It expresses a state or condition that has persisted and is notable in its intensity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples, where a range of adjectives follow the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been very" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to intensify an adjective, thereby emphasizing a particular quality or state. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used across various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing, with a neutral register. To enhance your writing, consider using specific adjectives and being mindful of the intended audience. While the phrase is generally correct, avoid vague adjectives to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has proven extremely

Replaces "very" with "extremely", indicating a higher degree of success or effectiveness. Also, verb changes to "proven".

has undeniably been

Strengthens the expression with the indication that something is beyond question.

has consistently been

Highlights the continuous state over time

has certainly been

Adds emphasis to the truth of the statement.

has clearly been

Indicates the easiness to acknowledge the state or action.

has turned out remarkably

Shifts the focus to the outcome, suggesting a surprising and positive result with "remarkably".

has distinctly been

Adds a sense of clarity or easy noticeability to the described condition.

has distinctly been

Adds a sense of clarity or easy noticeability to the described condition.

has become exceedingly

Emphasizes a gradual process with "become", and increases intensity with "exceedingly".

has remained quite

Highlights the continuity of a state using "remained", and tones down the intensity using "quite".

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been very" is used to describe a state or condition that has existed for some time. For example, "The weather "has been very unpredictable" lately".

What are some alternatives to "has been very"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has proven extremely", "has turned out remarkably", or "has become exceedingly" to vary your phrasing.

When is it appropriate to use "has been very"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the extent to which something has been in a particular state. However, consider using stronger adjectives to avoid weakening the impact of your statement.

Is there a difference between "has been very helpful" and "has been helpful"?

Yes, "has been very helpful" implies a greater degree of helpfulness compared to simply "has been helpful". The "very" emphasizes the intensity of the helpfulness.