have been skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been skilled" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is not typically used in written English as it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "They have been skilled in various trades over the years."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Japanese have been skilled weavers since ancient times.

The New York Times - Arts

America's intelligence personnel and diplomats have been skilled and tireless.

The New York Times

They could have been professional (cost accountants perhaps), but they could also have been skilled artisan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most of the blacks would have been skilled laborers who provided services for white settlers.

The New York Times

Children who have been skilled in decision-making, the researchers' findings show, have higher self-esteem.

The New York Times - Style

Or you may have been skilled at developing creative PowerPoint presentations, but now you're skilled at developing creative masturbation scenarios.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's wonderful for employers and the affluent wanting cheap nannies, cleaners and plumbers – bad for the unemployed, many of whom would have been skilled-up for the jobs otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

This pig, he said, had been skilled at burrowing holes through the mud and straw of its pen and escaping.

The New Yorker

For millennia, coastal Aborigines had been skilled canoeists and dry-land subsistence; in fact, the centrepiece of the exhibition – called Mari Nawi: Aboriginal Odysseys 1790-1850 – is a full-size replica of a traditional Aboriginal canoe, constructed from the stringybark tree.

Independent

Typical of the generation that has been skilled and schooled abroad, Trivolis is keen to show an Athens far removed from the cliches appended to Greece since the arrival of mass tourism in the 1950s.

The Guardian - Travel

It has been skilled and consensual in Holyrood government.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, prefer more direct and grammatically sound alternatives such as "have acquired skills" or "have developed expertise" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "have been skilled" as it is not standard English. Instead, rephrase to focus on the acquisition or demonstration of skills, rather than the state of being skilled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been skilled" functions as part of a verb phrase aiming to describe a state of possessing skills. However, its usage is considered grammatically questionable by Ludwig AI, thus limiting its effectiveness in conveying the intended meaning compared to alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been skilled" is used to denote the possession of abilities or competence. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. While it appears across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, more direct alternatives like "have acquired skills" or "possess proficiency" offer clearer and more standard ways to convey skillfulness. When writing, focusing on skill acquisition or demonstration can improve clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have acquired skills

Focuses on the action of gaining skills, rather than possessing them as a characteristic.

have developed expertise

Emphasizes a higher level of mastery and knowledge gained over time.

possess proficiency

Highlights the current state of being proficient, with a more formal tone.

demonstrate competence

Implies that skills have been actively shown or proven through performance.

excel in their craft

Focuses on exceptional skill and artistry in a particular area.

are highly capable

Highlights general ability and effectiveness in performing tasks.

have a knack for

Suggests a natural talent or aptitude for something.

are adept at

Emphasizes skill and nimbleness in performing specific tasks.

show aptitude for

Indicates a potential or inherent ability to develop skills in a certain area.

are versed in

Implies familiarity and knowledge gained through study or experience.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "have been skilled"?

You can use alternatives like "have acquired skills", "have developed expertise", or "possess proficiency" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "have been skilled"?

According to Ludwig AI's analysis, the phrase "have been skilled" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases that emphasize skill acquisition or demonstration.

How can I use "have acquired skills" in a sentence?

Instead of saying "They have been skilled", you can say "They have acquired skills in various trades over the years".

What's the difference between "have been skilled" and "have developed expertise"?

While both phrases relate to competence, "have developed expertise" suggests a higher level of mastery gained over time, whereas "have been skilled" is grammatically awkward and less precise.