have been protected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been protected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has received protection over a period of time, often in a passive voice context. Example: "The endangered species have been protected by law for several years to ensure their survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But many have been protected.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have been protected since 1983.

The New York Times

In the short term, jobs and services have been protected".

The Guardian - Business

Tens of thousands of lives have been protected.

The New York Times

"The shingles have been protected by an overhang.

The New York Times

Fewer than 20percentt of the battlefields have been protected.

The New York Times

"They have been protected by their handler-parents for so long that they have become teacups.

The New York Times

Walker argued that fund managers have been protected from scrutiny by concentration on bankers' bonuses.

The Guardian - Business

This was a case where workers should have been protected against their own destructive instincts.

The New York Times

Many of the whale products originated from species that have been protected since the 1986 moratorium.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They might also have been protecting him for security reasons".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been protected", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what provided the protection and from what danger or threat.

Common error

Avoid using "have been protected" when the protection is ongoing and continuous; instead, opt for present continuous tenses like "are being protected" to reflect the current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been protected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject has received protection from an external force or threat. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from protecting lives to safeguarding jobs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been protected" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something has received protection over a period. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business writing. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral contexts, ensure you specify who or what provided the protection. Remember to avoid misusing the tense; for ongoing protection, "are being protected" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been safeguarded

Emphasizes preservation and security against potential harm or loss. It's highly similar, focusing on maintaining a secure state.

have been shielded

Suggests a barrier or cover providing protection, often from direct impact or observation. Implies a physical or metaphorical barrier.

have been defended

Highlights active resistance against threats or attacks. More active than "protected", implying an ongoing effort.

have been secured

Focuses on establishing a safe and stable environment, often involving locking down or reinforcing. Emphasizes the outcome of safety.

have been preserved

Stresses the maintenance of something in its original condition, avoiding damage or decay. Often used for historical or cultural items.

have been guarded

Implies vigilance and watchfulness to prevent unauthorized access or harm. Conveys a sense of continuous monitoring.

have been preserved

Highlights maintaining something in its original state, untouched by damage. Focuses on the continuation of something existing.

have been fortified

Indicates strengthening defenses, making something more resistant to attack or intrusion. Implies reinforcement and preparation.

have been insulated

Highlights the prevention of influence or impact, maintaining separation from external forces. Focuses on minimizing external effects.

have been sheltered

Suggests providing a safe haven or refuge, often from harsh conditions or dangers. Implies a nurturing and protective environment.

FAQs

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

Use "have been protected" to describe something that received protection over time. For example, "The historical artifacts "have been protected" by the museum's security measures".

What are some alternatives to "have been protected"?

You can use alternatives like "have been safeguarded", "have been shielded", or "have been defended" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "had been protected" instead of "have been protected"?

Yes, but the meaning changes. "Had been protected" implies the protection occurred before a specific point in the past, while ""have been protected"" connects the protection to the present.

What's the difference between ""have been protected"" and "are being protected"?

"Have been protected" describes a completed action with present relevance, whereas "are being protected" indicates an ongoing action. For example, "The documents "have been protected" for years," versus "The documents are being protected during the audit".