have been resolving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been resolving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an ongoing action or process that started in the past and continues into the present, often in contexts related to problem-solving or addressing issues. Example: "We have been resolving the technical difficulties that have arisen during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In many ways, from immigration to anti-narcotics operations, the U.S. and Cuba have been resolving many of their differences, quietly, for several years.

The New Yorker

And we have been resolving difficulties we have encountered one by one by implementing our strategy.Second is the reasonable use of human capital.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"All claims have been resolved.

The New York Times - Magazine

All the problems have been resolved.

The Economist

Many of these issues have been resolved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of these have been resolved.

Independent

"Most of the issues have been resolved".

The New York Times - Science

"The software problems have been resolved.

The New York Times

That is not to say all matters have been resolved.

The New York Times - Arts

All but seven of those have been resolved.

The New York Times

If handled differently, it could have been resolved quickly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been resolving", ensure the context clearly indicates an ongoing process that started in the past and continues to the present. This phrasing emphasizes the duration and persistence of the effort.

Common error

Avoid using "have been resolving" when the issue is fully resolved. Use "have resolved" instead to indicate a completed action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been resolving" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and is still ongoing. This is based on Ludwig's confirmation of its correct usage and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been resolving" is a grammatically correct present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of addressing issues. As per Ludwig, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports or professional discussions. While the phrase is valid, consider alternatives like "are in the process of resolving" or "have been addressing" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to use "have resolved" when the issue is completely finished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in the process of resolving

This alternative explicitly states the ongoing nature of the resolving activity, emphasizing the process.

are working towards resolving

This highlights the effort and intention behind resolving something, indicating a directed approach.

have been addressing

This term focuses on dealing with or attending to issues, suggesting a more direct engagement with the problem.

have been dealing with

This indicates managing or handling difficulties, implying a practical approach.

have been sorting out

This suggests organizing and clarifying aspects to reach a resolution, which is more informal.

have been settling

This is more related to ending disagreements or conflicts, it focuses on reaching an agreement.

have been fixing

This implies repairing or correcting problems, it's more related to technical issues.

have been ironing out

This suggests smoothing out minor issues to achieve a better final result, implying a process of refinement.

have been untangling

This emphasizes the process of clarifying complex or confused situations.

have been figuring out

This indicates discovering or understanding how to resolve something, emphasizing the cognitive aspect.

FAQs

How do I use "have been resolving" in a sentence?

Use "have been resolving" to describe an ongoing process of addressing or fixing issues that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, "We have been resolving technical difficulties" indicates that the problem-solving process is still underway.

What's the difference between "have been resolving" and "have resolved"?

"Have been resolving" indicates an ongoing process, while "have resolved" implies the issue is completely finished. For instance, "They have been resolving the dispute" suggests the process is still happening, while "They have resolved the dispute" means it's over.

What can I say instead of "have been resolving"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have been addressing", "have been dealing with", or "are in the process of resolving".

Is "have been resolving" formal or informal?

"Have been resolving" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very informal settings, phrases like "sorting out" or "fixing" might be more appropriate.