Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
have been shown
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'have been shown' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something has been demonstrated or proved through evidence or research. For example, "Studies have been shown to demonstrate that exercise can reduce stress."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
have been accomplished
have been superseded
have been offered
have been kept
have been dismissed
have been implemented
have been strengthened
have been disaggregated
have received notice
obligations fulfilled
have been improved
have been excluded
have been attributed
have been upgraded
have been forwarded
have been revealed
have been trained
have been burned
have been paid
have been determined
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
None have been shown.
News & Media
To date, 539 movies have been shown.
News & Media
Some have been shown on independent television.
News & Media
These have been shown to reduce costs.
News & Media
Several approaches have been shown to be effective in studies.
News & Media
Nonhuman beings have been shown to pay for sex, too.
News & Media
Burger should have been shown the red card.
News & Media
Black slavers could have been shown revelling in the practice.
News & Media
And those have been shown to be false.
News & Media
A: All have been shown on screen reading Madame Bovary.
News & Media
Both have been shown to reduce pregnancy nausea.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "have been shown" when you want to emphasize that something has been demonstrated or proven through evidence, research or experience, especially in formal or academic writing. Ensure the context clearly indicates what has been shown and what evidence supports it.
Common error
While "have been shown" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "It has been shown that exercise is beneficial", try "Research shows that exercise is beneficial".
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "have been shown" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that something has been demonstrated, proven, or revealed through evidence, research, or observation. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.
Frequent in
Science
44%
News & Media
42%
Formal & Business
14%
Less common in
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "have been shown" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to convey that something has been demonstrated or proven through evidence, research, or observation. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in formal and scientific contexts, particularly in news articles and academic publications. While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider active voice alternatives when appropriate. Alternatives like "have been demonstrated" or "have been proven" can be used for semantic precision. In summary, understanding the nuances of "have been shown" and its alternatives ensures clear and effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
have been demonstrated
Emphasizes the act of demonstrating or proving something, often through a specific action or experiment. It focuses more on the process of proving.
have been proven
Implies a higher degree of certainty and validation than the original phrase, suggesting that something has been definitively established as true.
have been established
Suggests that something has been firmly set or recognized, often through repeated evidence or widespread acceptance.
have been found
Indicates a discovery or finding, often in the context of research or investigation. It implies a less formal or conclusive demonstration.
have been revealed
Suggests that something previously hidden or unknown has been made apparent, implying a sense of unveiling or discovery.
have been uncovered
Similar to 'have been revealed', but often suggests a more deliberate or laborious process of discovery.
have been identified
Indicates that something has been recognized or distinguished, often as a specific element or characteristic.
have been observed
Highlights the act of noticing or witnessing something, often through careful observation or monitoring.
have been validated
Implies that something has been confirmed or verified as accurate or effective, often through rigorous testing or evaluation.
are known to
Focuses on general knowledge and accepted facts. It's less about proving and more about stating a generally acknowledged truth.
FAQs
How can I use "have been shown" in a sentence?
Use "have been shown" to indicate that something has been demonstrated or proven through evidence. For example, "Studies "have been shown" to reduce stress".
What are some alternatives to "have been shown"?
You can use alternatives like "have been demonstrated", "have been proven", or "have been established" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "have been shown" or "has been shown"?
"Have been shown" is used with plural subjects or 'they', 'we', 'you' while "has been shown" is used with singular subjects (except 'I', 'you') or 'he', 'she', 'it'.
What is the difference between "have been shown" and "have shown"?
"Have been shown" is in the passive voice, indicating something has been demonstrated to someone or by something. "Have shown" is in the active voice, meaning someone or something has demonstrated something.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested