have been attuned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been attuned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has become accustomed or adapted to a particular situation or environment over time. Example: "Over the years, I have been attuned to the subtle changes in the market, allowing me to make informed decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Hank Roberts Those who have been attuned to jazz and improvised music in New York may associate the cellist Hank Roberts with the 1980s.

The New York Times - Arts

Actually — just as you'd expect from a nascent campaign that is already showing considerable discipline — the e-mails appear to have been carefully selected to make Bush appear to have been attuned to the concerns of ordinary Florida voters.

The New Yorker

Even if she does not at first consciously think about it in this way, her resentment can arise because her emotions have been attuned to respond to other cases where a promotion has been granted unfairly and where in retrospect there is no doubt in anyone's mind (like the pond case) what would have been the right thing to do.

SEP

Nurses historically have been attuned to the needs of the whole person, their family, their community, and their interactions with their environments -- all components of identifying and treating PTSD and TBI.

Huffington Post

Amrutha Sridhar, a junior doctor, told me that she believes striking doctors do understand these things and that while there was a lack of faith in the British Medical Association in the past, this time they have been attuned to the views of their membership.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For instance, Bill de Blasio, the public advocate and a former councilman with Borough Park ties, has been attuned to issues grating on Orthodox Jews, like business fines and parking.

The New York Times

As far back as Itchycoo Park and Song of a Baker, Lane had been attuned to nature, but the sense of communion comes through much stronger in his solo work.

The Guardian - Music

But in another sense, happiness has always been Romney's concern, in that his whole political life has been attuned to gaining the approbation of others, even to the extent of picking up and abandoning positions at will.

The New Yorker

He has been attuned to the state's Democratic leanings, without neglecting its affection for family values and its penny-pinching roots like protecting Social Security, not raising taxes and lowering the price of prescription drugs.

The New York Times

Metal fatigue occurs with repeated flexing; the civilian aviation industry has been attuned to the problem since the roof of a Boeing 737 operated by Aloha Airlines tore off during a flight in April 1988.

The New York Times

Of the food that does reach the supermarket, up to half is thrown away by the consumer.David Williams Warwick, WarwickshireThe vital centreSIR – Bagehot mentioned that the Conservative Party has been attuned to class politics since at least 1923 when it chose the "humble" Stanley Baldwin for leader over the "pukka" Lord Curzon (December 12th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been attuned" to describe a gradual process of becoming sensitive or responsive to specific needs, changes, or details over a period of time. This implies a learning or adaptation process.

Common error

Avoid using "have been attuned" when simply stating awareness. Opt for more direct phrases like "are aware" or "are conscious" if the context doesn't involve a process of adaptation or refinement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "have been attuned" is to serve as a passive voice construction of the verb "attune" in the present perfect tense. This construction indicates that a subject has undergone a process of becoming sensitive or responsive to something over a period of time. Ludwig's examples showcase this function effectively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been attuned" is a grammatically sound and useful construction for indicating a refined sensitivity or responsiveness developed over time. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While it is relatively uncommon, it adds a layer of precision when describing a gradual adaptation or heightened awareness. When using it, remember to ensure the context involves a process of adaptation and to avoid it in situations where simple awareness suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been adapted

Focuses on the process of being modified to suit new conditions.

have been adjusted

Highlights the idea of making small changes to improve alignment or fit.

have been aligned

Emphasizes a state of agreement or correspondence.

have been sensitive

Stresses an awareness and responsiveness to external stimuli.

have been responsive

Highlights the act of reacting positively to something.

have been receptive

Focuses on willingness to consider or accept new ideas.

have been mindful

Emphasizes being conscious or aware of something.

have been listening

Highlights paying attention and taking heed.

have been adaptable

Stresses the ability to adjust to new conditions.

have been tailored

Focuses on making something specifically suitable for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been attuned" to describe a gradual process of becoming sensitive or responsive to something. For example, "Nurses historically "have been attuned" to the needs of the whole person".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "have been attuned"?

Similar phrases include "have been adapted", "have been adjusted", or "have been sensitive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have been attune" instead of "have been attuned"?

No, "have been attune" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle of "attune" is "attuned". Therefore, the proper phrase is "have been attuned".

In what contexts is "have been attuned" most appropriate?

"Have been attuned" is most appropriate in contexts where there's a sense of gradual adaptation or refinement of one's senses or understanding. It is often found in discussions related to personal development, environmental awareness, or professional expertise.