have been labelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been labelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been categorized or identified in a certain way, typically in the past and still relevant in the present. Example: "The documents have been labelled according to their confidentiality level for easier access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perfectly decent schools have been labelled failures.

The Economist

In other cases, the questions themselves have been labelled nonsensical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There have been occasions when managers have been labelled Judas.

Independent

The dead have been labelled as migrants, undocumented immigrants, and asylum seekers.

The New Yorker

Human rights monitors who protest have been labelled pro-guerrilla by the government.

The Guardian

Indeed, their methods have been labelled both "byzantine and impenetrable" (see here).

The Washington Post

These books have been labelled "cli-fi," but chances are that the name won't stick.

The New Yorker

More than 1,500 of Sur's buildings have been labelled historic and protected by law.

The Guardian

People want to label other people, and I have been labelled very much.

The Guardian

This may have been labelled an illiberal step, but support for the move remains widespread.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can't understand that we have been labelled as the worst.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been labelled", ensure the label accurately reflects the subject. Avoid using labels that are misleading or overly simplistic.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when a more specific term would be more accurate. Overusing "have been labelled" can lead to vagueness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been labelled" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something has received a specific designation or categorization. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe how schools, books, people, and even scientific data points are categorized. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been labelled" is a versatile passive construction employed to indicate how something has been categorized or designated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and prevalent across numerous contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While it is found most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", it maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for diverse audiences. When using "have been labelled", it's important to ensure accuracy and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "have been designated", "have been categorized", and "have been classified" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been designated

Focuses on a formal assignment or appointment to a specific role or status.

have been categorized

Emphasizes the act of sorting into distinct groups based on shared characteristics.

have been classified

Implies a systematic arrangement according to established criteria, often in a hierarchical structure.

have been identified as

Highlights the process of recognizing something as belonging to a particular type or group.

have been described as

Focuses on the use of descriptive language to characterize something.

have been termed

Suggests the use of a specific word or expression to name something.

have been considered

Indicates a more subjective evaluation or opinion about something.

have been known as

Implies a widespread familiarity or recognition of something by a particular name.

have been styled

Focuses on aesthetic presentation and appearance.

have been branded

Highlights the application of a marketing identity to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been labelled" to indicate how something is categorized or identified. For example, "The files "have been labelled" according to their confidentiality level".

What are some alternatives to "have been labelled"?

Alternatives include "have been designated", "have been categorized", or "have been classified", each carrying slightly different nuances.

What's the difference between "have been labelled" and "have been described as"?

"Have been labelled" suggests a formal assignment of a category, while "have been described as" implies a subjective characterization. For example, something might "have been labelled" a 'failure' after an evaluation, but "have been described as" 'promising' by its creators.

When is it appropriate to use "have been labelled" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when you need to neutrally state how something has been officially categorized. Avoid using it when expressing personal opinions; instead, use phrases like "I consider it to be".