have been corrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been corrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has undergone a change or deterioration, often in a negative context, such as data, morals, or systems. Example: "The files have been corrupted, and we are unable to retrieve the original data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Only in New York can the anti-corruption commission already have been corrupted".

The New Yorker

Samus encounters heavy resistance from the Space Pirates, Phazon-corrupted monstrosities, and her fellow bounty hunters who have been corrupted by Dark Samus.

Wikipedia

Would children watching have been corrupted?

Independent

Both peoples have been corrupted by the situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Some companies have been corrupted from the top down.

The New York Times

The way they feel is that their own cultures have been corrupted by consumer values.

The New York Times

It is extremely uncomfortable to consider that our democracy may have been corrupted.

The Guardian

And there is no evidence any implantable devices have been corrupted by viruses or other malware.

The Washington Post

In our fragmented for-profit system, market incentives for public health have been corrupted.

The New York Times

Little Sisters are girls who have been corrupted into what amount to blood-sucking ghouls.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a well-recognised fact in the industry that parts of the cashmere trade have been corrupted".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been corrupted" when you want to emphasize a process or state of being altered negatively over time by external factors. It suggests a loss of original purity or integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been corrupted" when describing simple physical damage. "Corrupted" implies a deeper, often moral or systemic, degradation rather than superficial harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been corrupted" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where something has undergone a negative change, often implying a loss of purity, integrity, or proper function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been corrupted" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of negative alteration or deterioration. As Ludwig AI notes, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects a loss of integrity or purity rather than simple physical damage. Consider alternatives like "have been compromised" or "have been tainted" to fine-tune your message. While widely accepted, careful attention to context ensures the most effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been compromised

Indicates a state of being weakened or made vulnerable, often implying a loss of integrity or security.

have been tainted

Suggests that something has been stained or contaminated, losing its original purity or quality.

have been defiled

Implies a severe degradation or desecration, often used in contexts of moral or spiritual corruption.

have been perverted

Suggests a distortion or alteration from what is considered normal or acceptable, often with negative connotations.

have been degraded

Indicates a decline in quality, value, or status, often due to external factors or internal decay.

have been damaged

A more general term indicating that something has been harmed or impaired.

have been spoiled

Suggests that something has lost its usefulness or appeal due to decay or improper handling.

have been contaminated

Implies that something has been made impure or unsuitable by the introduction of harmful elements.

have been adulterated

Indicates that something has been mixed with inferior or impure substances, reducing its quality.

have been subverted

Implies that something has been undermined or overthrown, often secretly or insidiously.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been corrupted" to describe something that has been negatively altered or damaged over time. For example, "The data "have been corrupted" due to a system error" or "The original ideals "have been corrupted" by greed".

What are some alternatives to "have been corrupted"?

Alternatives include "have been compromised", "have been damaged", or "have been tainted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "have been corrupted" instead of "have been damaged"?

"Have been corrupted" implies a loss of integrity, purity, or moral standing, while "have been damaged" simply indicates physical harm or impairment. Use "have been corrupted" when referring to non-physical deterioration, like ideals or systems.

Is "have been corrupted" formal or informal?

"Have been corrupted" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the subject matter and the overall tone of your writing rather than the setting.