have been bred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been bred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of breeding that has occurred over a period of time, often in reference to animals or plants. Example: "These dogs have been bred for their intelligence and loyalty over several generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have been bred not to kill.

The Guardian - Books

The elephants in the show are native only to Texas, where they have been bred.

The New York Times

But this is Kentucky's race; 96 of the 127 winners have been bred in the bluegrass.

The New York Times - Sports

Such confidence may have been bred by the situation today at Murrayfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Pugs, for example, have been bred to have flat faces, which can cause breathing difficulties.

Independent

Toughness may have been bred into Mr. Farina, a former Chicago cop.

The New York Times

Many rare species, including pygmy hippopotamuses, Indian elephants, and orangutans, have been bred there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many generations of seed have been bred in, and become adapted to, these circumstances.

The New York Times

Some varieties have been bred that are resistant to a bacterial disease called angular leaf spot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several hundred Asiatic lions have been bred in the sanctuary since it was established.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That said, unlike corn or sugarcane, NexSteppe's crops have been bred to optimize energy production.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been bred" to specifically indicate that selective breeding has occurred over time to enhance certain traits in plants or animals. This distinguishes it from general terms like 'raised' or 'cultivated'.

Common error

Avoid using "have been bred" to describe the development of non-biological attributes or skills in humans. While one might say someone has 'inherited' a trait, the term 'bred' is typically reserved for plants and animals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been bred" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that a breeding process has been completed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly when describing the selective breeding of animals and plants.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been bred" is a grammatically correct and widely used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, particularly in the context of selectively breeding animals and plants to enhance specific characteristics. Its usage spans across various authoritative sources including "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and Encyclopedia Britannica, indicating its acceptance in both neutral and scientific registers. While synonyms like "have been cultivated" or "have been raised" exist, "have been bred" specifically denotes intentional selective breeding. Avoid using this phrase when referring to humans, as it can be considered dehumanizing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have undergone selective breeding

More verbose and explicit, specifying the type of breeding involved, where "have been bred" is a more concise term.

have been cultivated

Focuses more on the process of nurturing and growing, often used for plants or microorganisms, whereas "have been bred" is more common with animals.

have been improved through breeding

Highlights the intent of enhancement through the breeding process, adding a layer of purpose not always present in "have been bred".

have been raised

Implies a broader context of care and upbringing, not necessarily involving selective breeding but also can imply breeding.

have been developed

Emphasizes the process of improvement or advancement over time, often used in the context of skills or products.

have been propagated

Highlights the act of reproduction or multiplication, especially in plants, differing slightly from the selective nature of breeding.

have been selected

Focuses on the act of choosing specific traits or individuals, rather than the breeding process itself.

have been generated

Implies creation or production, which can be a result of breeding but isn't exclusive to it; it has a broader meaning.

have been produced

Similar to 'generated', but emphasizes output or yield, where "have been bred" specifically refers to a reproductive process.

have been crossed

Specifically refers to the act of crossbreeding, a subset of breeding that involves mixing different varieties.

FAQs

What does "have been bred" mean?

The phrase "have been bred" refers to the process of selectively breeding plants or animals over time to enhance specific traits or characteristics. It indicates a deliberate intervention in the reproductive process to achieve desired outcomes.

What are some synonyms for "have been bred"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have been cultivated", "have been raised", or "have been developed". The best choice depends on whether you're discussing plants, animals, or more abstract concepts.

Is it appropriate to use "have been bred" when referring to humans?

While technically possible in a metaphorical sense, using "have been bred" to describe human traits can be dehumanizing and is generally avoided. It's better to use terms like 'raised' or 'brought up' when discussing human development.

How does selective breeding, suggested by the phrase "have been bred," influence the characteristics of a species?

Selective breeding, as indicated by the phrase "have been bred", enables the amplification of desired traits while diminishing less desirable ones. Over generations, this can lead to significant changes in a species' physical and behavioral attributes.