have been killed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been killed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that has occurred in the past and has relevance to the present, often in a passive voice context. Example: "Many endangered species have been killed due to habitat destruction and poaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some have been killed.

The Economist

(Eighty reporters have been killed).

The New Yorker

Someone could have been killed.

Independent

Several passengers have been killed.

The New York Times

Senior leaders have been killed.

The New York Times

A number have been killed.

Independent

My friends have been killed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dozens have been killed.

The Washington Post

Millions have been killed.

The New York Times

Thousands have been killed.

The New Yorker

At least 48 people have been killed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about deaths, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. "Have been killed" is generally neutral, but more sensitive contexts might benefit from softer alternatives like "have lost their lives."

Common error

While "have been killed" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing seem weak. Whenever possible, rephrase sentences to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For instance, instead of "Many civilians have been killed in the conflict", consider "The conflict has killed many civilians."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been killed" functions as a passive perfect construction. It indicates that the action of killing has been completed and has a result that is relevant in the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been killed" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to describe past deaths with present relevance. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is correct to use in your writtings. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and is generally considered to be neutral in tone. While appropriate in many situations, consider using more sensitive or specific alternatives like "have lost their lives" or "have been assassinated" depending on the context and intended impact. Be mindful of overuse of passive voice and aim for active constructions where possible to enhance the strength and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have lost their lives

A more euphemistic and general way to say "have been killed", focusing on the loss of life rather than the act of killing.

have been murdered

Specifically indicates that the deaths were unlawful and intentional.

have been assassinated

Refers specifically to being murdered for political or ideological reasons. It's a more specific type of killing.

have been slain

This phrase is a more formal or archaic way of saying "have been killed", often used in literature or historical contexts.

have perished

A formal way of saying "have died", often used when referring to a large number of deaths or deaths in a disaster.

have been fatally wounded

Highlights the cause of death as a wound that led to death.

succumbed to their injuries

Emphasizes the process of dying from injuries, often implying a struggle.

are dead

A simple and direct way of stating that someone is no longer alive. It lacks the passive voice emphasis of "have been killed".

have met their demise

A more formal and somewhat dramatic way to say "have died", often implying a final and irreversible end.

have been eliminated

This phrase suggests a deliberate and often systematic removal, sometimes used in a detached or clinical way.

FAQs

How is "have been killed" used in a sentence?

The phrase "have been killed" is used to indicate that someone or something has died as the result of an action. For example, "Many civilians "have been killed" during the war".

What are some alternatives to "have been killed"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "have lost their lives", "have perished", or "have been slain" instead of "have been killed".

Is it better to say "have been killed" or "died"?

The choice between "have been killed" and "died" depends on the context. "Have been killed" implies an external cause, while "died" is more general. For example, "He died of old age" is preferable to "He has been killed by old age", whereas "He "have been killed" in action" is appropriate.

What is the difference between "have been killed" and "were killed"?

"Have been killed" refers to an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present. "Were killed" refers to a completed action in the past without necessarily having a present-day connection. Example: "Several soldiers "were killed" in the ambush last week" versus "Several soldiers "have been killed" in the ongoing conflict".