have been experimenting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been experimenting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or process that started in the past and continues into the present. Example: "We have been experimenting with different methods to improve our product's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Candidates have been experimenting with their messages.

The New York Times

Both Chengdu and Chongqing have been experimenting with this.

The Economist

Ever since, European scientists have been experimenting and theorizing.

The New Yorker

He and his team have been experimenting with entanglement at ground level for several years.

The Economist

People there have been experimenting with so-called pebble-bed reactors for decades.

The Economist

As confidence grows the marines have been experimenting with new techniques.

The Economist

Some microfinance companies have been experimenting in Ghana and elsewhere with new kinds of insurance.

The New Yorker

Some turned up Thursday night for newly extended hours that some merchants have been experimenting with.

The New York Times

For several years scientists have been experimenting with using DNA directly for computation.

The New York Times

Other parts of the NHS have been experimenting with tougher identity checks.

The Guardian

European countries have been experimenting with ways to halt a decades-long decline in fertility rates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been experimenting" to describe a sustained and ongoing process of trial and error. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being experimented with and the goal of the experimentation.

Common error

Avoid using "have been experimenting" when the context requires a definitive outcome or established practice. If a method is proven and widely adopted, phrases like "have implemented" or "are using" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been experimenting" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It describes an action that started in the past and is ongoing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been experimenting" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe ongoing trials or exploratory processes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and appears frequently across various sources, especially in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what is being experimented with and the intended goal. Alternatives such as "have been testing" or "have been exploring" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context. Avoid using it when referring to conclusive or established actions. Overall, "have been experimenting" is a versatile and effective phrase for describing ongoing efforts to discover or refine something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been testing

Focuses on evaluating a specific hypothesis or product through controlled trials.

have been trialling

Similar to piloting, but often used in British English to describe testing new products or services.

have been piloting

Emphasizes a preliminary or trial implementation of a project or system.

have been trying out

Suggests a casual, less formal approach to testing or exploring new ideas.

have been exploring

Highlights the investigative and discovery aspect of the process.

have been investigating

Indicates a systematic or formal inquiry into a specific subject.

have been probing

Suggests a more intrusive or detailed examination to uncover information or potential.

have been assaying

Implies a methodical testing procedure, often in scientific or technical contexts.

have been tinkering with

Indicates informal, hands-on adjustments to a design or idea.

have been playing around with

Conveys a sense of casual experimentation, often without a specific goal in mind.

FAQs

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

The phrase "have been experimenting" describes an ongoing process of trying out new methods or ideas. For example, "Researchers "have been experimenting" with new materials to improve battery life".

What are some alternatives to "have been experimenting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have been testing", "have been trying out", or "have been exploring".

Is it correct to say "have been experimenting"?

Yes, "have been experimenting" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It indicates a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

What is the difference between "have been experimenting" and "experimented"?

"Have been experimenting" implies an ongoing process, while "experimented" suggests a completed action. For example, "They "have been experimenting" with different designs" indicates that the experimentation is still in progress. "They experimented with different designs" implies that the process is finished.