have been slashed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been slashed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been reduced or cut significantly, often in terms of prices, budgets, or resources. Example: "The prices of the products have been slashed to attract more customers during the sale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Managers' salaries have been slashed.

The Economist

Operating costs have been slashed.

The Economist

Prices have been slashed.

The Guardian - Travel

Forecasts for 2012 have been slashed.

The Economist

Public services have been slashed.

The Guardian - Opinion

So retention bonuses have been slashed.

The New York Times

Advances have been slashed, where possible.

The Guardian - Books

Vital research programs have been slashed.

The New York Times

The tires of her car have been slashed.

The New York Times

Public-sector wages have been slashed and new taxes raised.

The Economist

The estimates should have been slashed by half.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been slashed" to emphasize a significant and often abrupt reduction, particularly in contexts involving budgets, prices, or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "have been slashed" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "reduced" or "decreased" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been slashed" functions as a passive construction indicating that a noun has undergone a significant reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been slashed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a significant reduction or cut. Ludwig AI validates its usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying information about substantial decreases, especially in areas like budgets, prices, and resources. While appropriate for general informative writing, it should be used with caution in highly formal or academic settings where more neutral terms may be preferred. Numerous authoritative sources, including The Guardian, The Economist, and The New York Times, demonstrate its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been cut

This alternative is a more general term for reducing something, lacking the implication of a drastic reduction.

have been reduced

Similar to "have been cut", this term indicates a decrease but not necessarily a severe one.

have been decreased

This alternative suggests a measured decline, often used in statistical or numerical contexts.

have been diminished

This option implies a reduction in importance or value, rather than just quantity.

have been curtailed

This suggests a restriction or limitation, often in terms of freedom or activity.

have been trimmed

This alternative is often used when referring to a small reduction in size or amount.

have been whittled down

This implies a gradual reduction over time, often through repeated cuts.

have been pared back

This suggests a careful and strategic reduction, focusing on essentials.

have been axed

This alternative conveys a sudden and often brutal elimination.

have been decimated

This term signifies a severe and destructive reduction, often implying a loss of a large portion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "have been slashed" is used to indicate that something has been significantly reduced. For instance, "The company's marketing budget "has been slashed" due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "have been slashed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have been cut", "have been reduced", or "have been decreased". The choice depends on the degree of reduction you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "have been slashed" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "have been slashed" carries a strong connotation of a drastic or severe reduction. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "reduced" or "decreased" for a more objective tone.

What's the difference between "have been slashed" and "have been reduced"?

"Have been slashed" implies a more significant and abrupt reduction than "have been reduced". "Slashed" suggests a more forceful or drastic cut, while "reduced" is a more general and neutral term for a decrease.