have been discovered

USAGE SUMMARY

'have been discovered' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has been found or ascertained already. Example sentence: Several new species of insects have been discovered in the Amazon Rainforest.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No other misspellings have been discovered.

The New York Times

Uranium deposits have been discovered nearby.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some 170 of these have been discovered.

The Economist

No paca fossils have been discovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Jolly Boys have been discovered before.

The New York Times - Arts

New, interesting phenomena have been discovered.

Electrochimica Acta

New catalysts compositions have been discovered.

Applied Surface Science

So couldn't "prep" have been "discovered" earlier?

The New York Times

The remains of one have been discovered.

The New York Times

Effects of poisoning the catalyst have been discovered.

Electrochimica Acta

Surprisingly few reliable accounts about Chinggis Khan have been discovered.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been discovered" to indicate that something previously unknown has been found or recognized through investigation, research, or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "have been discovered" when referring to something that is currently being discovered. Use "are being discovered" or "are currently being discovered" instead to indicate an ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been discovered" functions as a passive construction in the present perfect tense. This grammatical structure indicates that something was found or revealed at an unspecified time in the past, but the results or effects are still relevant in the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been discovered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to convey that something previously unknown has been found or revealed. It is predominantly used in science, news, encyclopedias and academic contexts to report new findings or information. While the phrase has a neutral to formal tone, related phrases such as "were found" or "were revealed" can provide alternative ways to express the same idea, depending on the specific nuance required. It's essential to use the correct tense to avoid common errors and ensure clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were found

Focuses on the simple act of finding something without necessarily implying a prior state of being hidden.

were uncovered

Implies a process of removing a covering or obstruction to reveal something.

were revealed

Suggests a disclosure or making something known that was previously secret or obscure.

were identified

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or distinguishing something specific.

were detected

Implies the use of instruments or methods to sense or perceive something.

came to light

An idiomatic expression indicating that something became known publicly.

were brought to light

Similar to 'came to light' but emphasizes the action of someone or something causing the revelation.

were unearthed

Suggests digging up or discovering something that was buried or hidden.

were ascertained

Highlights the process of finding something out for certain; making sure of something.

were established

Indicates that something has been proven or confirmed.

FAQs

How is "have been discovered" used in a sentence?

The phrase "have been discovered" is used to indicate that something previously unknown has been found or ascertained. For example, "Several new species of insects "have been discovered" in the Amazon rainforest."

What are some alternatives to "have been discovered"?

Alternatives include "were found", "were uncovered", or "were revealed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was discovered" instead of "have been discovered"?

The choice between "was discovered" and "have been discovered" depends on the context. "Was discovered" is used when referring to a single instance in the past, while "have been discovered" is used when referring to multiple instances or a continuing process with relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "have been discovered" and "are being discovered"?

"Have been discovered" indicates that the discovery is complete, whereas "are being discovered" suggests that the process of discovery is ongoing. For example, "New treatments for the disease "are being discovered" constantly" implies an active, current process.