Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
have been documented
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"have been documented" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when something is in the process of being recorded or written down. For example, "Recent changes to the city's infrastructure have been documented in a report."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
have been superseded
have been offered
were documented
have been kept
have been dismissed
have been implemented
have been strengthened
have been solving
have received notice
have been improved
have been excluded
have been attributed
have been upgraded
have been forwarded
have been trained
have been determined
have been shot
have been authorized
have been identified
have been reformed
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Melanistic (all black) specimens have been documented from west Africa.
Wiki
Fifteen broods have been documented.
News & Media
Every move seemed to have been documented.
News & Media
Beneficial post-treatment effects have been documented.
These effects have been documented in studies across many disciplines.
Science
Many other cases have been documented by news outlets.
News & Media
In addition, two deaths have been documented in Florida.
News & Media
General Contreras's past banking activities have been documented, too.
News & Media
The clinical and economic benefits of cessation have been documented.
have been documented across a wide range of ecosystems.
However, limited studies have been documented on this subject.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "have been documented", ensure that the source of the documentation is clear or can be easily inferred from the context to maintain credibility.
Common error
While "have been documented" is valid, avoid overusing it. Vary your language by using synonyms like "recorded" or "chronicled" to enhance readability and prevent monotony.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "have been documented" serves as a passive construction indicating that something has been formally recorded or registered. This construction is used to emphasize that information exists and can be verified through reliable sources, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
27%
Encyclopedias
5%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "have been documented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of indicating that information is not only available but also supported by verifiable records. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, its use conveys authority and credibility. While entirely correct, remember to diversify your vocabulary by employing alternatives like "have been recorded" or "are on record" to maintain reader engagement. With over 60 examples, Ludwig underscores the prevalence and versatility of this phrase in formal communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
have been recorded
This alternative uses 'recorded' instead of 'documented', emphasizing the act of writing something down or registering it.
have been registered
This alternative emphasizes the act of formally listing something.
have been chronicled
This alternative suggests a detailed and historical record.
have been catalogued
This alternative implies a systematic listing or classification.
have been archived
This alternative suggests preserving records for future reference.
have been substantiated
This alternative emphasizes the act of providing evidence to support a claim.
have been verified
This alternative emphasizes the confirmation of the truth or accuracy of something.
have been validated
This alternative implies the confirmation of something's legitimacy or correctness through testing.
have been established
This alternative suggests that something has been proven or confirmed.
are on record
This alternative offers a more concise way of saying that something has been officially recorded.
FAQs
How can I use "have been documented" in a sentence?
Use "have been documented" to indicate that something has been recorded or established in writing or another verifiable form. For example, "The effects of climate change "have been documented" in numerous scientific reports."
What are some alternatives to saying "have been documented"?
You can use alternatives such as "have been recorded", "have been chronicled", or "are on record" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "have been documented" or "were documented"?
Use "have been documented" when referring to actions or states that began in the past and continue to be relevant, or when referring to a collection of documents over time. Use "were documented" when referring to a specific past event. For example, "The initial findings "were documented" in 2010."
What's the difference between "have been documented" and "have been reported"?
"Have been documented" implies a more formal and verifiable record, such as a written report or database entry. "Have been reported" suggests that information has been communicated, possibly through less formal channels like news articles or verbal accounts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested