have been burned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been burned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has experienced harm or disappointment, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in relationships or investments. Example: "After investing in that failing startup, I realize I have been burned by my lack of research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bras have been burned.

The New York Times - Books

Some have been burned in the past.

The New Yorker

Two have been burned to death.

The New York Times

Homes have been burned and ransacked.

Independent

Investors have been burned once by Petrobras.

The New York Times

Their cars have been burned.

The New York Times

Arab-owned businesses have been burned.

The New York Times

Dozens of villages of have been burned.

The New York Times

Investors have been burned too many times.

The New York Times

Buildings have been burned and gutted.

The New York Times

Some have been burned quite personally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been burned" metaphorically (e.g., in business or relationships), ensure the context clearly indicates the figurative nature of the expression to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "have been burned", particularly in close proximity to other similar expressions. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive or uninspired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been burned" functions as a past participle construction, indicating a state or condition resulting from a past action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly describes a situation where someone has experienced harm or disappointment. This harm can be literal (e.g., physical burns) or figurative (e.g., financial losses).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been burned" is a versatile expression used to describe the experience of suffering harm, loss, or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. The examples extracted from diverse sources, including news outlets, business publications, and academic articles, demonstrate the phrase's broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, the specific context dictates the level of formality. When employing "have been burned", especially in its metaphorical sense, ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretation, and avoid overuse to prevent monotony in writing. Understanding these nuances will enable more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been harmed

Focuses on the general experience of being damaged or injured, whether physically or emotionally, rather than specifically by fire or a burning sensation.

have been injured

Implies some form of physical or emotional wound, but does not necessarily involve burning.

have been scorched

Suggests a superficial burning, often implying damage to the surface rather than complete destruction.

have been singed

Indicates a very light burn, often affecting only the edges or tips.

have been traumatized

Shifts the focus to the psychological impact of a negative experience.

have been cheated

Refers to a specific type of harm involving deception or unfair dealings.

have been deceived

Focuses on the act of being misled or tricked, rather than the resulting damage.

have suffered losses

Emphasizes the financial or material consequences of a negative event.

have learned the hard way

Highlights the experience of gaining knowledge through painful or difficult circumstances.

have paid the price

Suggests that a consequence has been incurred for a particular action or choice.

FAQs

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

The phrase "have been burned" is used to describe a situation where someone has experienced loss, disappointment, or harm. For example: "Investors "have been burned" by previous market crashes."

What's a more formal alternative to "have been burned"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "have suffered losses", "have been adversely affected", or "have experienced negative consequences".

When is it appropriate to use "have been burned" literally?

"Have been burned" can be used literally to describe physical injuries caused by fire or heat, such as "The victims "have been burned" in the house fire."

Is "have been burned" suitable for all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In very formal or academic writing, more precise or neutral language might be preferable. For instance, instead of saying "We "have been burned" by this theory before", one might say "This theory has previously proven unreliable".