have been choosing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been choosing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an ongoing action that started in the past and continues to the present, often in contexts where choices or selections are being made over a period of time. Example: "We have been choosing the best candidates for the job over the last few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They, too, have been choosing Obama's opponent.

The New Yorker

With Black Dub, Mr. Lanois could almost have been choosing various parts from multitracked guitars.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet Indians have been choosing to come to Round-Up since it began, and this year's turnout was particularly strong.

The New York Times

Well, since the Sox and Cardinals have been choosing their own adventure the last two nights, so can we, right?

The Guardian - Sport

But for some reason (Jeff, most likely), owners have been choosing their coaches based on smarts, not smitten impulses.

The New York Times - Sports

"Smokers trying to quit have been choosing e-cigarettes over other types of support for some time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Update: Winners have been chosen!

The New York Times

They have been chosen by the Colonel.

The New Yorker

All have been chosen by audition.

The New Yorker

Underwriters have been chosen and fees negotiated.

The New York Times

The winners have been chosen.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing trends or patterns of behavior, "have been choosing" is effective. For example, "More students have been choosing STEM fields in recent years."

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses mid-sentence. Ensure the timeframe established by "have been choosing" remains consistent throughout the clause. For example, do not follow it with a simple past tense verb unless describing a completed action within the ongoing choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been choosing" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action of selecting or deciding that began in the past and continues into the present. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been choosing" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing or repeated act of selection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is particularly frequent in news and media, yet appropriate for academic and general conversation. When writing, ensure you maintain consistent tense and consider more formal alternatives like "have been selecting" for a polished tone. Steer clear of shifting tenses within a sentence to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been selecting

Emphasizes a deliberate process of picking something from a range of options. It's closely related in meaning but slightly more formal than "have been choosing".

have been opting for

Suggests a preference or decision to go with a particular choice over others. It focuses on the decision-making aspect.

have been deciding on

Highlights the process of making a decision, often after considering different possibilities. Implies a more thoughtful consideration.

have been picking out

Implies a careful and discerning selection. It can suggest a more personal or aesthetic element in the choice.

have been favoring

Indicates a tendency to prefer or support a particular option. It emphasizes inclination rather than a final choice.

have been going with

Suggests a more casual or pragmatic choice, often based on convenience or practicality. It's less formal.

have been settling on

Implies a decision made after some deliberation or compromise. It suggests a resolution of uncertainty.

have been electing to

Focuses on the act of making a formal or official choice, similar to voting or designating. Highlights the elective aspect.

have been inclined to

Indicates a predisposition or tendency towards a certain choice, without necessarily implying a final decision has been made. It conveys a leaning towards something.

have gravitated toward

Suggests a natural or unconscious attraction towards a particular option, implying a less deliberate decision-making process. Conveys a sense of drifting towards something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have been choosing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "have been selecting" or "have been opting for". These options often convey a more deliberate and considered decision-making process.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "have been choosing" and "have chosen"?

"Have been choosing" implies an ongoing or repeated action, whereas "have chosen" suggests a completed action with a result that may continue into the future. For example, "They have been choosing different routes each day" (ongoing) versus "They have chosen a new route" (completed decision).

What's a more casual way to say "have been choosing"?

If you want to use a less formal alternative, you could say "have been going with" or "have been picking out". These phrases convey a similar meaning in a more relaxed tone.

How does "have been choosing" compare to "are choosing" in terms of meaning?

"Have been choosing" indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present, emphasizing the duration. "Are choosing" refers to an action happening right now. For instance, "People "are choosing" electric cars" (current trend) versus "People "have been choosing" electric cars for the last few years" (ongoing trend).