have been engaged

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been engaged" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two people are engaged or betrothed, meaning that they have agreed to marry each other. Example: John and Jane have been engaged for two years and are preparing for their wedding next month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A number of researchers have been engaged in that.

Cornell University

The members have been engaged in extensive preparation.

The New York Times

State spies have been engaged in mass surveillance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Who were these "likely opponents" who should have been engaged?

The New Yorker

"We have been engaged with Zimbabweans on all sides".

The Guardian

Internet companies have been engaged in that US debate.

The Guardian

In other states, local issues have been engaged.

The New York Times

The two projects have been engaged in a race from the beginning.

The Economist

The statement added: "We have been engaged in a constructive dialogue with U.S. authorities.

The New York Times

America's telecoms and cable firms have been engaged in constant dealmaking.

The Economist

Both have been engaged in trade discussions with the Nuggets, who prefer not to trade Anthony.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been engaged" to describe a couple, ensure the context clearly indicates a betrothal or agreement to marry. Otherwise, specify the activity or context they are engaged in.

Common error

Avoid using "have been engaged" without specifying the activity or context. Saying "They have been engaged" can be confusing; clarify by saying, for example, "They have been engaged in peace talks" or "They "have been engaged to" be married."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been engaged" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating a state of being actively involved or betrothed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it can denote active participation in activities or the state of being promised in marriage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been engaged" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe active involvement in an activity or a state of betrothal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, as supported by numerous examples. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the activity or relationship to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "have participated in" and "have been involved in" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Whether discussing business negotiations or wedding plans, understanding the nuanced usage of "have been engaged" enhances precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have participated in

Emphasizes active involvement or taking part in something, differing from "have been engaged" by highlighting participation.

have been involved in

Focuses on being connected or associated with something, subtly different from active engagement.

have taken part in

Similar to "have participated in", emphasizing the act of joining or being a part of something.

have been active in

Highlights a state of being actively involved or participating, differing slightly in emphasis.

have been occupied with

Highlights the state of being busy or preoccupied with something, differing in its emphasis on busyness.

have been immersed in

Indicates deep involvement or absorption in something, suggesting a higher degree of focus than "have been engaged".

have dedicated themselves to

Implies a strong commitment and devotion to a cause or activity, conveying a stronger sense of purpose.

have devoted time to

Focuses specifically on the time spent on something, emphasizing the investment of time.

have contributed to

Highlights the act of making a contribution or adding to something, focusing on the outcome.

have worked on

Focuses on the labor or effort put into something, differing from general engagement.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says, "They have been engaged"?

The phrase "they "have been engaged"" typically means they have agreed to marry each other. However, without further context, it could also mean they are actively involved in a specific activity or project.

How can I use "have been engaged" in a sentence about a business activity?

You can say, "Our team "have been engaged" in negotiations with the client for several weeks." This indicates active involvement in a business-related process.

What's the difference between "have been involved in" and "have been engaged in"?

"Have been involved in" suggests a connection or association, while "have been engaged in" implies more active and direct participation. Engagement often suggests a higher level of commitment and activity.

Which is the right way to say, "they have been engaged for 5 years"?

The correct way is, "They "have been engaged" for five years." This implies they have been betrothed for that duration.