have been accumulating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been accumulating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of gathering or collecting something over a period of time. Example: "Over the years, we have been accumulating valuable data that will help us improve our services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The losses have been accumulating daily.

The Guardian - Opinion

The properties have been accumulating for a long time.

The New Yorker

Inklings of this decline have been accumulating since 2008.

The New York Times

These newfangled worker committees have been accumulating victories.

The New York Times

Chief executive Diego Hernandez told Reuters: We have been accumulating cash for some time.

The Guardian - Business

The warning signs about climate change and extreme weather events have been accumulating over time.

The Guardian

Of course, diagnoses of political change have been accumulating for some time.

The New York Times - Books

For three decades, Detroit and the Golden State have been accumulating irreconcilable differences.

The New York Times

All these things have been accumulating in the minds and in the hearts of the people of Pakistan.

The New Yorker

G.M.'s problems in Europe have been accumulating for years, industry analysts say, and will not be fixed easily.

The New York Times

In addition, there have been accumulating signs that Mr. Bush's sustained advantage over Mr. Gore in the polls has vanished.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been accumulating" to describe a gradual process of increase or collection over time. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the ongoing nature of the accumulation. For example, "Data "have been accumulating" over several years".

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "have been accumulating". Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "Mistakes "have been accumulating"", consider "We "have been making" mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been accumulating" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous, ongoing process of something increasing or gathering over a period of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to describe the action of gradual growth or collection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been accumulating" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a continuous process of increase or collection over time. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It sees frequent use in news, scientific writing, and business contexts, showcasing its broad appeal and neutral register. When using "have been accumulating", consider the ongoing nature of the process and choose synonyms like "have been gathering" or "have been collecting" to fine-tune your message. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice to maintain clear and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been gathering

Emphasizes the act of bringing things together from different places.

have been collecting

Focuses on the act of acquiring items, often with a specific purpose or interest.

have been amassing

Suggests accumulating a large quantity, often of something valuable or powerful.

have been building up

Implies a gradual increase in something, often to a significant level.

have been piling up

Indicates that things are accumulating in a disorganized or excessive way.

have been accruing

Suggests a gradual increase, typically in financial or legal contexts.

have been assembling

Focuses on bringing together different parts or components to form a whole.

have been compiling

Highlights the process of gathering information or data systematically.

have been acquiring

Emphasizes gaining possession of something, often through purchase or effort.

have been generating

Indicates the creation or production of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "have been accumulating" in a sentence?

You can use "have been accumulating" to describe a gradual process of increase or collection over time. For example: "Dust "has been accumulating" on the shelves" or "The company "has been accumulating" debt".

What are some alternatives to "have been accumulating"?

Alternatives to "have been accumulating" include "have been gathering", "have been collecting", or "have been amassing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "have been accumulating" and "have accumulated"?

"Have been accumulating" implies a continuous process over time, while "have accumulated" suggests a completed action resulting in a current state. For example, "Snow "has been accumulating" all day" (the process is ongoing) versus "Snow "has accumulated" to a depth of two feet" (the accumulation is complete).

Is it correct to say "data has been accumulating" or "data have been accumulating"?

The correct form depends on whether you treat "data" as singular or plural. In formal writing, "data" is often treated as plural, so "data have been accumulating" is more appropriate. However, "data" is increasingly used as a singular noun, especially in informal contexts, making "data has been accumulating" acceptable.