have been perpetually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been perpetually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or ongoing state or condition that has persisted over time. Example: "They have been perpetually seeking new ways to improve their services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The expected showdown between the American Achilles and Saddam Hussein's forces seems to have been perpetually postponed.

The Economist

And Webcams that have been perpetually focused on everything from a tarantula to artists' studios dot the Net.

The New York Times - Arts

"Had He created the Earth perfectly spherical, its axis might have been perpetually shifting by the influence of the other bodies of the system," Jefferson once told Thomson.

The Economist

The company's vehicles have been perpetually plagued by a reputation for awful durability.

Forbes

In Australia, enrolments have been perpetually rising despite these continued reforms.

Vice

His most highly regarded poem, The Vanity of Human Wishes, was written with such "extraordinary speed" that Boswell claimed Johnson "might have been perpetually a poet".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This struggle, so central to our national purpose, has been perpetually replayed.

The New York Times - Books

__________ Britain's secret wars | For more than 100 years, Britain has been perpetually at war.

The Guardian

One of his main criticisms — that Europe has been perpetually slow to grasp the seriousness of the problem — has become increasingly difficult to refute.

The New York Times

Women of a certain age (no, not that certain age. I'm thinking twenty-five thirty-nineine) will recognize them, these girls who've been perpetually perfect since 1983.

The New Yorker

"The spirit of hatred and fanaticism embedded in the hearts of the Arab Muslims against everything that is non-Muslim has been perpetually nurtured by the Islamic religion," they wrote.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation; "have been perpetually" often carries a slightly negative or critical tone. Use it when you want to emphasize the ongoing and perhaps undesirable nature of something.

Common error

Avoid using "have been perpetually" when a simpler phrase like "have been constantly" or "have been continuously" would suffice. "Perpetually" adds a layer of intensity that isn't always necessary or appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been perpetually" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous, ongoing state or action. It emphasizes that something has been happening repeatedly or without interruption over an extended period. This observation is supported by Ludwig's analysis of its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been perpetually" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes a continuous, ongoing state or action with a connotation of endlessness. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across varied contexts, primarily within news and media. While alternatives like "have been consistently" or "have been constantly" exist, "perpetually" adds a specific nuance of unending repetition, often with an underlying negative sentiment. Therefore, writers should be mindful of the intensity and appropriateness when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been consistently

Focuses on the regularity and predictability of an action or state.

have been constantly

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of an action or state.

have been continuously

Highlights the lack of interruption in an action or state over time.

have been continually

Highlights the repeated or recurrent nature of an action or state.

have been always

Indicates a state or action that has existed without exception.

have been invariably

Suggests an unchanging pattern or occurrence in all instances.

have been persistently

Focuses on the stubborn or unwavering nature of an action or state.

have been endlessly

Implies a seemingly infinite duration or repetition.

have been unremittingly

Stresses the relentless and sustained nature of an action or state.

have been steadily

Suggests a gradual but consistent progression or continuation.

FAQs

What does "have been perpetually" mean?

The phrase "have been perpetually" means something has been happening continuously or repeatedly for a very long time, often suggesting a sense of permanence or endlessness.

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

You can use "have been perpetually" to describe situations that seem to continue without end. For example, "The negotiations "have been perpetually" delayed due to disagreements."

What are some alternatives to "have been perpetually"?

Alternatives to "have been perpetually" include "have been consistently", "have been constantly", or "have been continuously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, you would use "has been perpetually" when referring to a singular subject, while "have been perpetually" is used for plural subjects or with "I", "we", "you", and "they".