have been changed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been changed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a form of the present perfect tense, indicating that an action was completed in the past and still has an impact or relevance in the present. Example: "The company's policies have been changed since the new CEO took over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The signs have been changed.

The New York Times

Names have been changed.

The Guardian

· Names have been changed.

The Guardian

Processes have been changed.

The Guardian - Business

Names in Gaziantep have been changed.

Independent

(The family's names have been changed).

The New Yorker

(All victims' names have been changed).

The New Yorker

The other programs have been changed significantly.

The New York Times - Arts

Not even the names have been changed.

The New York Times - Books

Case study names have been changed.

Independent

(All the names have been changed).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been changed" when you want to emphasize that a modification has already occurred and is now in effect. For example, "The rules have been changed to reflect the new safety standards."

Common error

Avoid using "have been changed" when describing an ongoing process. Instead, use a continuous tense like "are being changed". For example, avoid saying "The plans have been changed", say "The plans are being changed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been changed" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. It signifies that a past action of changing something has been completed, and the result of that action is relevant in the present. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been changed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes a completed action of modification with present relevance. Its neutral register and wide applicability across various domains, including news, science, and business, make it a versatile choice for expressing alterations and their effects. When using the phrase, remember to use it in relation to plural nouns and avoid it when describing a current action and consider alternative phrases such as have been altered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have undergone changes

Emphasizes the process of transformation rather than the state of being different.

have been altered

Focuses on the act of modification, suggesting a more deliberate change.

have been modified

Highlights that something has been adjusted, typically in a controlled manner.

have been adjusted

Implies a fine-tuning or calibration to achieve a desired outcome.

have been transformed

Suggests a more dramatic or fundamental shift in form or nature.

have been revised

Indicates a careful review and correction process leading to changes.

have been updated

Implies that something has been brought current or made more relevant.

have shifted

Suggests a change in position, direction, or emphasis.

are now different

A simpler way of stating that a change has occurred, focusing on the current state.

have evolved

Emphasizes a gradual development and alteration over time.

FAQs

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

Use "have been changed" to indicate that something was altered in the past and the result is relevant now. For example, "The flight times "have been changed", so check your ticket carefully."

What are some alternatives to saying "have been changed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have been altered", "have been modified", or "have undergone changes".

Is it correct to say "has been changed" instead of "have been changed"?

No, "has been changed" is for singular subjects, while "have been changed" is for plural subjects or the pronoun "you". For example, "The rules have been changed", but "The rule has been changed".

What is the difference between "have been changed" and "are being changed"?

"Have been changed" indicates a completed action with present relevance, while "are being changed" indicates an ongoing process. "The website settings "have been changed" (the changes are complete)", versus "The website settings "are being changed" (the changes are in progress)".