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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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have been altered

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been altered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been changed or modified from its original form. For example, "The regulations have been altered to include new safety measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many buildings have been altered by residents.

The blindfolds have been altered by technology.

News & Media

The New York Times

Certain activities have been altered, she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

People's lives have been altered and affected.

News & Media

The New York Times

The brain cells have been altered by the breakthrough.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Some of the names in this piece have been altered.

News & Media

The Guardian

"But the entry rules have been altered a bit.

Many of these homes are old and have been altered.

News & Media

The New York Times

Some details have been altered to maintain anonymity.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And many mainstream cruise lines have been altering their ships to better accommodate disabled travelers.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It had been altered.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been altered", ensure the context clearly indicates what was altered and, if relevant, by whom or what. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been altered" without specifying the subject that experienced alteration. Instead of "The data have been altered", clarify with "The data have been altered to reflect recent findings".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been altered" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a subject has undergone a change or modification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and its common use across different contexts. The auxiliary verbs 'have' and 'been' combine with the past participle 'altered' to show that the subject received the action of being changed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been altered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase used to describe that something has been modified or changed. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for diverse writing scenarios. This phrase finds frequent application in various fields, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, as evidenced by numerous examples. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify what has been changed and by whom or what, when relevant. Alternatives like "have been modified" or "have been changed" offer similar meanings. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, rendering it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been altered" to indicate that something has been changed or modified. For example, "The original plans "have been altered" to accommodate the new requirements".

What are some alternatives to saying "have been altered"?

You can use alternatives such as "have been modified", "have been changed", or "have been adjusted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was altered" instead of "have been altered"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different implications. "Was altered" refers to a single past action, while "have been altered" implies a past action with present relevance or a series of alterations over time.

What is the difference between "have been altered" and "have been adapted"?

"Have been altered" generally means changed, while "have been adapted" suggests a change to suit a new purpose or condition. For example, a document might be altered, but a species might be adapted to a new environment.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: