have been broken up

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been broken up" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The couple have been broken up for more than a year now.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Other arduously assembled netsuke groups have been broken up recently.

The New York Times - Arts

"I figured we would have been broken up by then".

The New York Times

Several plots overseas have been broken up, American officials said.

The New York Times

Recent COPE meetings have been broken up by A.N.C. thugs.

The New York Times

The larger conglomerates have been broken up, with mixed results.

The Guardian - Money

"Picasso produced more than 200 sketchbooks, and most of them have been broken up," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The police have been breaking up parties here for months.

The New York Times

Human violence and habitat destruction have been breaking up those families for a century or more.

Harvard University

The police have been breaking up gatherings of as few as five people.

Forbes

This time, the pavement had been broken up in advance.

The New York Times

The boardwalk on Spring Lake, New Jersey had been broken up by the storm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "have been broken up", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being separated or dissolved. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "have been broken up" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clearer. For example, instead of "The fight have been broken up by the police", consider "The police broke up the fight".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been broken up" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has undergone an action performed by an external agent. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been broken up" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase. Ludwig confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts. It is primarily used to describe the result of a past action of separation or dissolution. While it is considered to have a neutral register, it is most frequently found in News & Media, but also in Academia and Wiki. Remember to use it when the emphasis is on the state resulting from the action, and always ensure the subject is clear. Consider alternatives like "have been dissolved" or "have been dismantled" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been dissolved

Emphasizes the ending of a formal arrangement or entity, focusing on termination.

have been dismantled

Focuses on the systematic taking apart of something, often piece by piece.

have been scattered

Highlights the dispersal of elements or components after being separated.

have been terminated

Implies a formal or official ending, similar to 'dissolved' but can apply to relationships or agreements.

have been disrupted

Suggests an interruption or disturbance that leads to a separation or cessation.

have been fragmented

Focuses on the breaking into smaller, disconnected parts.

have been disbanded

Specifically refers to the ending of a group or organization's activities.

have been severed

Implies a forceful cutting or separation, often used for connections or relationships.

have been disintegrated

Suggests a complete breakdown or decay into smaller parts.

have been decomposed

Implies the breaking down of organic matter through natural processes.

FAQs

How do I use "have been broken up" in a sentence?

The phrase "have been broken up" indicates that something has been separated or dissolved. For example, "The band members "have been broken up" due to creative differences" or "The protests "have been broken up" by the police".

What's the difference between "have been broken up" and "were broken up"?

"Have been broken up" implies an action completed at an unspecified time in the past and continuing to the present or with present relevance, while "were broken up" indicates a completed action in the past with no direct connection to the present. For example: "The meetings "have been broken up" recently" (and perhaps continue to be), versus "The meetings were broken up last week" (and are no longer happening).

What can I say instead of "have been broken up"?

You can use alternatives like "have been dissolved", "have been dismantled", or "have been disbanded" depending on the context.

Is "have been broken up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "have been broken up" is grammatically correct. It is the present perfect passive form of the verb "break up", used to indicate an action that was completed at some point in the past and has relevance to the present.