have been modified

USAGE SUMMARY

'have been modified' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to describe something that has changed or been altered in some way. For example, "These rules have been modified to reflect current regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have been modified.

The Economist

But how many loans have been modified?

The New York Times

Many have been modified beyond recognition.

The New York Times

Traditions have been modified to include Christian ceremonies.

Britannica

Women's rules over the years frequently have been modified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Training and testing sets have been modified for each case.

Electric Power Systems Research

Existing sensors, such as cameleon, have been modified and improved.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

The warnings of the economic consequences of the vote have been modified since it took place.

The Guardian

Likewise, ads promoting San Diego that began after Sept. 11 have been modified.

The New York Times

The administration still does not know how many mortgages have been modified under the program.

The New York Times

A wide range of plants have been modified, including cotton, oilseed rape and tobacco.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been modified" when you want to emphasize that a change has already occurred, rather than focusing on the act of changing.

Common error

Ensure the subject that "have been modified" refers to is clear. Avoid vague references that could confuse the reader about what exactly underwent changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been modified" functions as a passive voice construction in the present perfect tense. It indicates that a subject has undergone a process of change or alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

27%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been modified" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe changes that have occurred to something. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using "have been modified", ensure clarity by specifying what was modified and why, and avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the subject of the modification. Consider alternatives like "have been altered" or "have been changed" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the nature and extent of the changes you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been altered

This alternative suggests a change, often implying a more significant or fundamental alteration.

have been changed

This indicates that something has become different, highlighting the aspect of transformation.

have been adjusted

This suggests a slight change, often to improve or make something more suitable.

have been revised

This indicates a review and subsequent correction or improvement.

have been transformed

This implies a complete and dramatic change.

have been adapted

This suggests changes made to suit new conditions or purposes.

have undergone changes

This highlights the process of change rather than the state of being changed.

have seen modifications

This emphasizes the existence of modifications, drawing attention to the alterations.

have been updated

This implies changes to bring something current or modern.

have evolved

This suggests a gradual development and change over time.

FAQs

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

Use "have been modified" to indicate that something has undergone changes. For example, "The original plans "have been modified" to accommodate new safety standards".

What are some alternatives to "have been modified"?

You can use alternatives such as "have been altered", "have been changed", or "have been adjusted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "have been modified" or "were modified"?

Use "have been modified" when referring to the present perfect tense, indicating changes that have occurred up to the present. Use "were modified" for the simple past tense, indicating changes that occurred at a specific time in the past.

What does "have been modified" imply about the original state?

The phrase "have been modified" implies that the original state of something has been altered in some way. The extent of the change can vary, but it suggests that the current state is different from its initial condition.