have been battered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been battered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been subjected to repeated physical or emotional harm or abuse over a period of time. Example: "The old ship has been battered by countless storms, yet it still sails on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Their savings have been battered.

The Economist

But banks' bond portfolios have been battered nonetheless.

The Economist

Globally, shares have been battered in early trading.

The Economist

MetLife Shopping Insurers have been battered by the financial crisis.

The New York Times

Consequently, they too have been battered by the bubble's implosion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Home values, often a family's most important asset, have been battered.

The New York Times

"I think we have been battered here by seven in the past.

Independent

Circulation revenues at the Sun have been battered by its price war with the Mirror.

The Economist

As big financial centres, the two city-states have been battered by the global storm.

The Economist

"We have been battered by sea-robbers," says Akinsola Amire of the Nigerian Trawler Owners AssociationNigerian Trawler Owners Association

The Economist

"Our physical selves have been battered away," she said in "Close to the Machine".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "have been battered" to vividly describe situations where something has been subjected to significant and repeated hardship or damage. This phrasing effectively conveys the extent of the impact, whether physical or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "have been battered" when a milder term like "affected" or "impacted" would suffice. The phrase implies a severe and lasting negative effect; reserve it for appropriate contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been battered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has received a forceful or damaging impact. This usage is supported by examples in Ludwig, illustrating its common application in describing adverse conditions or harm inflicted upon a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been battered" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that has experienced significant damage or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the severity of impact, whether physical or metaphorical. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the damage or hardship is truly substantial. Alternatives include "have been beaten", "have been damaged", or "have suffered", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have taken a beating

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the severity of the damage.

have been beaten

Emphasizes a more direct sense of defeat or physical harm.

have been ravaged

Implies widespread destruction or devastation.

have been damaged

Focuses on the physical harm or impairment.

have been devastated

Highlights the emotional or overwhelming impact of the damage.

have suffered

Highlights the experience of enduring pain or hardship.

have endured hardship

Focuses on the prolonged experience of difficult conditions.

have been harmed

A more general term for experiencing negative effects.

have faced adversity

Emphasizes the challenge of overcoming difficult circumstances.

have been afflicted

Suggests a condition of suffering or distress.

FAQs

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

Use "have been battered" to describe something that has experienced significant damage or hardship. For example, "The company's reputation "has been battered" by the scandal".

What's the difference between "have been battered" and "have been damaged"?

"Have been damaged" is a more general term, while "have been battered" suggests repeated and forceful harm. "The car "has been damaged" in the accident" vs. "The coastline "has been battered" by the storm".

What are some alternatives to "have been battered"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "have been beaten", "have suffered", or "have taken a beating".

Is "have been battered" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "have been battered" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing severe impacts. However, ensure the tone and context align with the overall formality of the piece.