have been heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been increased or intensified over a period of time. Example: "The security measures have been heightened in response to recent events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, they have been heightened".

The New York Times

Across the political heart of Washington, security precautions have been heightened, reflecting the current jittery mood.

Independent

Parallels between different characters and their searches for faith have been heightened and tidied.

The New York Times

"The stakes have been heightened so much through Twitter and social media, everyone is tracking everything".

The Guardian

Such fears have been heightened by a string of high-profile blackmail cases.

The New York Times

Refugees's fears have been heightened by actions along the border by the Syrian military.

The New York Times

Concerns have been heightened by recent terror attacks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Guardian

Such apprehensions have been heightened by Trump's choice of closest advisers.

The Guardian

Concerns about crime have been heightened recently by shocking attacks in several cities.

The New York Times

In recent days those concerns have been heightened by a series of particularly high-profile attacks.

The Guardian

Our expectations have been heightened by Ben's withholding, and the effect of the moment's impact feels ultimately contrived.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been heightened" when you want to emphasize that something has become more intense or elevated over time. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being heightened and why.

Common error

Avoid using "has been heightened" when referring to plural subjects. Ensure the verb form agrees with the subject; for example, "concerns have been heightened", not "concerns has been heightened".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been heightened" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been increased or intensified by an unspecified actor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. The examples show its application in contexts where concerns, tensions, or security measures are amplified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been heightened" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe an increase in intensity or degree. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey an escalation of a state or condition. To ensure accuracy, remember to match the verb form with the subject (plural vs. singular) and to use this phrase when you specifically want to emphasize an increase over time. Alternatives like "have been intensified" and "have been increased" can provide similar nuances depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been intensified

Focuses on the act of making something more intense.

have been increased

Emphasizes the augmentation or rise in quantity or degree.

have been amplified

Highlights the increase in amplitude or strength.

have been augmented

Indicates that something has been supplemented or added to, to increase its effect.

have been exacerbated

Implies that something negative has been made worse.

have been escalated

Suggests a rapid increase or advancement.

have been magnified

Focuses on making something appear larger or more significant.

have been sharpened

Implies a greater clarity or focus.

have been strengthened

Highlights the increase in power or resistance.

have been deepened

Indicates an increase in depth or intensity.

FAQs

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

Use "have been heightened" to indicate that something has increased in intensity, level, or degree. For example, "Security measures "have been heightened" due to recent threats".

What are some alternatives to saying "have been heightened"?

You can use alternatives like "have been intensified", "have been increased", or "have been amplified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been heightened" instead of "have been heightened"?

The correct usage depends on the subject. Use "has been heightened" for singular subjects (e.g., "Security has been heightened"). Use "have been heightened" for plural subjects (e.g., "Concerns have been heightened").

What's the difference between "have been heightened" and "have been raised"?

"Have been heightened" suggests an increase in intensity or degree, while "have been raised" typically indicates that something has been brought up for discussion or consideration. The choice depends on the context.