have been manipulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been manipulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been influenced or controlled in a deceptive or unfair manner. Example: "The data presented in the report have been manipulated to support a specific agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The elections "have been manipulated and distorted," he said.

The New York Times

Or they may have been manipulated into early bloom.

The New York Times

"The results must have been manipulated," he said.

The New York Times

Our emotions have been manipulated, our sense of patriotism perverted.

The Economist

These are conventional digital photographs that have been manipulated in Photoshop to mimic Barbieri's focal tricks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Votes "could have been manipulated," he says, and the election thrown to the Republican, Saxby Chambliss.

The New York Times

Some of the perspectives have been manipulated, and some buildings were drawn freehand.

The New York Times - Arts

The Obama haters are already screaming that the unemployment figure must have been manipulated.

The New York Times

Results may even have been manipulated to push up managers' bonuses.

The Economist

Critics also say menthol levels have been manipulated to attract underage first-time smokers.

The New York Times

The Picasso heirs' lawyer had suggested in court that the couple might have been manipulated by an art smuggling ring.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider if there is a more specific word that accurately captures the type of manipulation. For example, "misled", "distorted", or "influenced" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "have been manipulated" as a vague accusation. Provide specific details or evidence to support your claim, otherwise, it may appear as unsubstantiated or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been manipulated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It typically indicates that a subject has undergone a process of influence or control, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been manipulated" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to denote that a subject has been influenced or controlled, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse sources. The phrase sees frequent use in contexts related to News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "have been influenced" or "have been altered" exist, "have been manipulated" carries a stronger connotation of deceit or unfairness. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and provide supporting details to avoid ambiguity and strengthen the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been influenced

Focuses on the act of affecting something without necessarily implying deceit or control.

have been controlled

Highlights the power dynamic and the extent of influence exerted.

have been altered

Emphasizes the change in form or nature, without implying intent or manipulation.

have been distorted

Implies a twisting or misrepresentation of the original state.

have been exploited

Highlights the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

have been deceived

Focuses on the act of being misled or tricked.

have been managed

Implies a careful handling, which can be neutral but also suggests subtle control.

have been guided

Suggests a directional influence, often towards a specific outcome.

have been shaped

Highlights the process of forming or molding something according to a plan.

have been stage-managed

Implies a deliberate and often artificial arrangement of events to create a particular impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been manipulated" to describe situations where something or someone has been unfairly or deceptively influenced. For example, "The election results "have been manipulated" to favor the incumbent".

What are some alternatives to "have been manipulated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have been influenced", "have been altered", or "have been distorted".

Is it correct to say "was manipulated" instead of "have been manipulated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they imply different time frames. "Was manipulated" refers to a manipulation that occurred and concluded in the past, while "have been manipulated" implies that the effects of the manipulation may still be ongoing or relevant.

What is the difference between "have been manipulated" and "have been influenced"?

"Have been manipulated" suggests a deliberate and often deceitful control, whereas "have been influenced" can imply a more subtle or benign effect.