has historically been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has historically been" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been true for an extended period of time. For example, "France has historically been recognized as a major world power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The disorder has historically been considered untreatable).

The New York Times - Magazine

Donetsk has historically been a cosmopolitan city.

Independent

"Attrition has historically been very low".

The New York Times - Arts

Admittedly, across different cultural contexts listening has historically been stilted.

Columbia University

Protein has historically been the more expensive macronutrient in aquafeeds.

Aquaculture

Tea has historically been associated with mood benefits.

Appetite

Sports has historically been a vehicle to bring us together.

The New York Times - Sports

Scientific validity has historically been measured against notions of objectivity.

Emotion, Space and Society

But the federal role has historically been sharply limited.

The New York Times

Vietnam has historically been unwelcoming to same-sex relationships.

The New York Times

In East Asian cultures, education has historically been highly valued.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has historically been" to introduce a contrasting point. For example, "While X has historically been Y, recent developments suggest a shift."

Common error

Avoid using "has historically been" to describe trends with limited historical evidence. Ensure there's substantial proof before making such claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has historically been" functions as a verb phrase that establishes a condition or characteristic as having existed over a considerable duration. Ludwig highlights its utility in providing context and background information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has historically been" is a versatile tool for establishing context and explaining trends across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. With its neutral register and common presence in news, science, and general writing, understanding its function is essential for effective communication. When employing this phrase, ensure the historical evidence supports your claim and avoid overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "has traditionally been" or "has long been" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has traditionally been

Replaces "historically" with "traditionally", focusing more on customs and long-established practices.

has long been

Simplifies the phrase, emphasizing the length of time something has existed or been true.

has always been

Implies that something has been true without exception throughout its entire history.

was historically

Uses past tense to describe something's state in the past, without necessarily implying it continues to be so.

used to be

Indicates a past state that is no longer the case, differing from "has historically been" which can imply continuation to the present.

had been historically

Emphasizes a past state before another point in the past, adding a layer of temporal depth.

has previously been

Highlights that something was the case at some earlier time, but doesn't necessarily imply continuous existence.

has formerly been

Suggests something was the case in the past but is not currently, similar to "used to be".

was once

Highlights a past state, but with a shorter duration and less emphasis on consistent historical presence.

has at one time been

Emphasizes a single instance in the past, rather than a continuous historical trend.

FAQs

How do I use "has historically been" in a sentence?

Use "has historically been" to indicate that something has been a certain way over a significant period. For example: "The United States "has historically been" a leader in technological innovation."

What are some alternatives to "has historically been"?

Alternatives include "has traditionally been", "has long been", or "has always been", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "has historically been" or "had historically been"?

"Has historically been" is used to describe something that started in the past and continues to the present. "Had historically been" refers to a past state before another point in the past.

What's the difference between "has historically been" and "used to be"?

"Has historically been" implies something was true for a long time and may still be true, while "used to be" indicates a past state that is no longer the case.