have been compounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been compounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing something that has been combined or accumulated over time, often in relation to finance, chemistry, or other fields. Example: "The interest on the loan has been compounded quarterly, resulting in a higher total amount owed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rather, they have been compounded.

The Guardian - Opinion

These have been compounded by speculative pressures".

The Guardian - Business

The stress may have been compounded by existing medical conditions.

The Washington Post

Sprint's long-running problems have been compounded by the recession.

The New York Times - Tech

These trends have been compounded by a host of other issues.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Composites of 0 31.5 vol% CaCO3 content have been compounded and injection moulded.

Polymer

The district's lackluster test scores have been compounded by chronic budget problems.

The New York Times

His problems have been compounded by the inconsist ency of his fastball.

The New York Times

And the effects of the anticorruption drive have been compounded by the broader economic slowdown nationwide.

The New York Times

Cuccinelli's problems have been compounded by the fallout from the government shutdown.

The Washington Post

Alicia says her emotional struggles have been compounded by a debilitating illness.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been compounded" to clearly indicate that multiple factors have combined to worsen a situation. This is especially effective when describing complex issues with intertwined causes.

Common error

Avoid using "have been compounded" when a simple addition or increase is meant. "Increased" or "added to" might be more appropriate if there's no element of interaction or worsening involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been compounded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been increased or intensified by the addition of other elements. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been compounded" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that a situation has been intensified or worsened by the combination of various factors. Frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, its usage conveys a sense of increasing complexity and severity. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to describe situations where multiple elements combine to create a significantly greater impact. However, avoid using it for simple additions. Instead, opt for alternatives such as "have been exacerbated" or "have been intensified" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been exacerbated

Emphasizes the worsening of a situation or problem.

have been intensified

Highlights the strengthening or heightening of an effect or situation.

have been heightened

Focuses on raising the intensity or level of something.

have been amplified

Implies a greater impact or stronger signal.

have been accumulated

Focuses on the gradual increase or collection of something over time.

have been magnified

Indicates an increase in size, importance, or effect.

have been reinforced

Suggests that something has been strengthened or supported further.

have been augmented

Suggests an addition that enhances or increases something.

have been aggregated

Focuses on the gathering or collection of distinct items into a combined whole.

have been multiplied

Implies a rapid increase in number or extent.

FAQs

How do I use "have been compounded" in a sentence?

Use "have been compounded" to describe a situation where problems or effects have intensified due to the combination of multiple factors. For example, "The initial difficulties "have been compounded" by recent economic downturns".

What can I say instead of "have been compounded"?

You can use alternatives like "have been exacerbated", "have been intensified", or "have been aggravated" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "have been compounded" in a positive context?

While "have been compounded" is often used in negative contexts to describe worsening situations, it can also be used neutrally to describe the accumulation of positive effects. However, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

What is the difference between ""have been compounded"" and "have been combined"?

"Have been combined" simply means that elements have been joined together. "Have been compounded" implies that the combination has resulted in an increased or intensified effect, often negative. The latter suggests a synergistic impact.