have been exaggerated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been exaggerated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing claims or statements that have been overstated or made to seem more significant than they actually are. Example: "The dangers of the new technology have been exaggerated by the media, leading to unnecessary panic among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some have been exaggerated.

The Economist

The advantages to screening have been exaggerated".

The New York Times

That consistency suggested the original criticisms may have been exaggerated.

The Economist

Analysts say, though, that these concerns have been exaggerated.

The New York Times

Claims of the Republican establishment's demise have been exaggerated.

The Economist

Those fears now seem to have been exaggerated.

The Economist

Opera Reports of opera's death have been exaggerated.

The Guardian

Well, reports of its demise may have been exaggerated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A very enlightened audience!" Puddicombe's surprise might have been exaggerated.

The New Yorker

Yet, egregious as that episode was, their sins have been exaggerated.

The Economist

However an official from a relief agency claims that the numbers of refugees have been exaggerated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been exaggerated", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what is being overstated. For example, specify the claims, fears, or reports that are not entirely accurate.

Common error

While "have been exaggerated" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice if appropriate. Instead of "The benefits have been exaggerated", try "People have exaggerated the benefits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been exaggerated" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular claim, aspect, or situation has been represented as more significant or intense than it truly is. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing situations ranging from inflated fears to overstated accomplishments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been exaggerated" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that something has been overstated or made to seem more important than it is. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts. While it's most frequently found in news and media, its neutral tone makes it useful in science and general discussions as well. To enhance your writing, be mindful of overuse and consider using the active voice when suitable. Remember, it implies skepticism and is often used to correct a misrepresentation. Synonyms like "have been overstated" or "have been inflated" can provide nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been overstated

This alternative conveys a slightly more formal tone, implying that something has been described in an excessively emphatic way.

have been inflated

This suggests that something has been increased or enlarged beyond its normal or proper limits, often in a figurative sense.

have been amplified

This means something has been increased in strength or effect, often used when discussing abstract concepts or emotions.

have been embellished

This indicates that details have been added to a story or account, making it more interesting but potentially less accurate.

have been magnified

This implies that something has been made to appear larger or more significant than it actually is.

have been blown out of proportion

This suggests that something relatively minor has been treated as if it were a major issue.

have been hyped up

This conveys the idea that something has been heavily promoted or advertised, often leading to unrealistic expectations.

have been dramatized

This indicates that something has been presented in a more sensational or emotional way than is warranted.

have been sensationalized

This implies that something has been presented in a way that is intended to shock or excite, often at the expense of accuracy.

have been colored

This suggests that something has been influenced by personal opinions or biases, affecting its objectivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been exaggerated" to indicate that something has been represented as greater or more significant than it actually is. For example: "The reports of the company's financial difficulties "have been exaggerated"."

What is a synonym for "have been exaggerated"?

Alternatives to "have been exaggerated" include "have been overstated", "have been inflated", or "have been overblown". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "have been exaggerated" is in the passive voice, it is grammatically correct. However, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For instance, instead of "The risks "have been exaggerated" by the media", you could say "The media has exaggerated the risks".

What's the difference between "have been exaggerated" and "have been minimized"?

"Have been exaggerated" means something is represented as greater than it actually is, while "have been minimized" means something is represented as less significant than it actually is. They are antonyms.