has sown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has sown" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of agriculture or metaphorically to indicate that someone has planted seeds or initiated something that will grow or develop over time. Example: "She has sown the seeds of change in her community, inspiring others to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Instead, it has sown alarm.

The Economist

The West, she believes, is reaping what it has sown.

The Guardian

But the party will eventually reap what it has sown.

The New York Times

In the past, inflation has sown social unrest.

The New York Times

"The court has sown the wind," he wrote.

The New York Times

Capitalism has sown the same freedoms, fragmentations, hopes and resentments as in other former communist regimes.

The Guardian - Books

The disparity in conduct standards has sown some animosity among the teachers.

The New York Times - Tech

The grass has sown itself back to the earth, like healing scars.

The New York Times - Sports

It has sown confusion and fear over whether any precaution matters.

The New York Times

This has sown confusion in financial markets and hurt its fragile credibility.

The Economist

Our careless misuse of "war" has sown misery, death and disgrace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "sowing" which suggests that something has been initiated. This might not be appropriate if you want to indicate a simple action without broader repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "has sown" in contexts where the literal act of planting seeds is meant. The phrase is generally used metaphorically to describe actions with future consequences. If the intent is to describe a literal planting action, use a verb phrase like "has planted" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has sown" functions as the present perfect tense of the verb "sow", typically used metaphorically to describe actions that have initiated a process or situation with ongoing or future consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has sown" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used metaphorically to describe the initiation of something that will yield future consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common, particularly within news and media contexts. When writing, consider the metaphorical implications of "sowing" and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of long-term impact. Alternatives like "has planted" or "has initiated" may be more suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has planted

Focuses on the literal or figurative act of planting.

has instigated

Emphasizes initiating or provoking an action or event.

has generated

Highlights the creation or production of something.

has triggered

Implies causing a sudden or forceful reaction.

has cultivated

Suggests careful development and nurturing.

has fostered

Indicates the encouragement and promotion of something.

has initiated

Highlights the beginning or commencement of something.

has introduced

Focuses on bringing something new into existence or awareness.

has established

Implies setting up or founding something.

has laid the foundation

Emphasizes creating a base or groundwork for future development.

FAQs

What does "has sown" mean?

The phrase "has sown" is a metaphor meaning to initiate something that will develop over time, often with significant consequences. It's derived from the literal act of sowing seeds, which grow into plants.

How can I use "has sown" in a sentence?

You can use "has sown" to describe actions or decisions that have long-term effects. For example, "The government's policies "has sown" seeds of discord among the population."

What are some alternatives to "has sown"?

Alternatives include "has planted", "has instigated", or "has initiated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The best choice depends on the context.

Is it better to say "has sown" or "sowed"?

"Has sown" is the more common and grammatically correct form of the past participle of "sow". "Sowed" is the simple past tense. For example, "He sowed the seeds yesterday" (past tense) versus "He has sown the seeds of doubt" (present perfect).