have been controlled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been controlled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been managed or regulated over a period of time, often in a passive construction. Example: "The variables in the experiment have been controlled to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not all events could have been controlled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I witnessed another explosion, but it may have been controlled.

The Guardian

Hynix's finances have been controlled by its principal creditor banks for the last year.

The New York Times

Blairmore is shown to have been controlled using an obscure financial instrument known as bearer shares.

The Guardian

The islands have been controlled for decades by the Soviet Union and then Russia.

The New York Times

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified Bi2SiO5 ultrathin nanosheets have been controlled synthetized.

Chemical Engineering Journal

These challenges have been controlled with in-feed prophylactic antibiotics and dietary minerals.

Domestic Animal Endocrinology

"We feel like we have been controlled by events and haven't controlled them," said one rank-and-file employee.

The New York Times

If all went according to plan, the return to Earth will have been controlled automatically by the craft's computer.

The Guardian

For the last two years, all of ABC's prime-time newsmagazines have been controlled by Victor Neufeld.

The New York Times

One way out would be to abandon the goal of universal coverage until after costs have been controlled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been controlled", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being managed or regulated. For instance, specify what measures or systems are in place.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the agent of control is either clearly stated or strongly implied. Overuse of the passive voice with "have been controlled" can obscure who or what is exerting the control, weakening the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been controlled" functions as a passive perfect construction. It indicates that an action of controlling or regulating has been completed at some point in the past and its effects may still be relevant. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used to describe situations where processes, phenomena, or entities are managed or kept within certain limits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been controlled" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive perfect construction. It indicates that an action of controlling or regulating has been completed in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is prevalent in various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, and serves the purpose of conveying that a state of regulation or management has been achieved. To ensure clarity, explicitly state or imply the agent of control. Consider alternatives such as "were regulated" or "were managed" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were regulated

Focuses on the imposition of rules or laws to govern something, emphasizing external oversight.

were managed

Emphasizes the act of overseeing and directing resources or activities, shifting the focus to administration.

were handled

Highlights the manner in which something was dealt with or treated, implying a specific approach or method.

were supervised

Stresses the act of overseeing and directing activities, often implying a hierarchical relationship.

were governed

Focuses on the system or principles by which something is ruled or directed, emphasizing authority and structure.

were directed

Highlights the guidance and channeling of efforts or resources towards a specific goal or outcome.

were influenced

Indicates that something was affected or swayed by external factors, implying a less direct form of control.

were determined

Focuses on the establishment or ascertainment of something, emphasizing the outcome of a process.

were contained

Emphasizes the act of keeping something within limits or boundaries, often used in the context of preventing spread or escalation.

were suppressed

Highlights the act of forcibly preventing something from developing or being expressed, implying a more forceful form of control.

FAQs

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

Use "have been controlled" to indicate that something has been managed, regulated, or influenced over a period. For example: "The spread of the disease may "have been controlled" by quarantine measures."

What are some alternatives to "have been controlled"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "were regulated", "were managed", or "were supervised". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "have been controlled"?

While both active and passive voice are grammatically correct, passive voice is more common with "have been controlled". However, ensure clarity by explicitly stating or implying the agent of control to avoid ambiguity.

Which is more formal: "have been controlled" or "were influenced"?

"Have been controlled" and "were influenced" can both be used in formal contexts, but "have been controlled" suggests a more direct and deliberate management, while "were influenced" implies a more subtle and indirect impact.