have been solving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been solving" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an ongoing action that started in the past and continues into the present, often in the context of problem-solving or addressing challenges. Example: "We have been solving complex equations for the past few hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We have been solving them, too.

The Economist

Have been solving since I was a kid and still usually solve at least one a day.

The New York Times

A. I started creating puzzles when I was 8 or 9, so I must have been solving puzzles even earlier.

The New York Times

Later I discovered that the Guardian, with its more liberal setting policy, was my true crossword home, and have been solving there ever since.

The Guardian

I am a retired E.R. nurse and have been solving New York Times puzzles since my 20s (how many years that has been shall remain a mystery).

The New York Times

Mr Johnston reports that in pilot areas bobbies have been solving adolescent scuffles with an informal word, rather than rounds of interviews and reports.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The crime might never have been solved.

The New York Times

Both seem now to have been solved.

The Economist

The murder could have been solved quickly.

Independent

More than 400 have been solved.

The Economist

These problems have been solved".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "have been solving" with specific details about the problem or the methods used to provide a clearer and more informative statement.

Common error

Avoid using "have been solving" for trivial or quickly resolved issues; it's more appropriate for complex or long-standing problems. For simpler things use "solved" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "have been solving" is to act as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It indicates an action that started in the past and is still ongoing or has recently ceased. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been solving" is a grammatically sound present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe ongoing problem-solving efforts. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media and scientific sources. When using this phrase, it's best to emphasize the ongoing nature of the problem-solving process and provide specific details. Remember to avoid using it for simple tasks. Alternatives like "have been addressing" or "have been tackling" can be used for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been resolving

This phrase focuses on bringing a problem to a conclusion or solution.

have been addressing

This phrase focuses on actively dealing with issues, often in a formal or professional context.

have been tackling

This phrase emphasizes a direct and energetic approach to dealing with difficulties.

have been working on

This phrase suggests a broader effort that may include solving but also other related tasks.

have been figuring out

This phrase indicates a process of discovering or understanding something, often through investigation.

have been untangling

This phrase suggests clarifying a confusing or complicated issue.

have been unraveling

This phrase indicates discovering facts bit by bit, which eventually solves a problem.

have been combatting

This phrase suggests fighting an issue.

have been investigating

This phrase indicates carrying out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.

have been thinking about

This phrase suggests a broader, more reflective consideration of a topic, which implies an indirect effort to solve.

FAQs

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

Use "have been solving" to describe an action of finding an answer to, or a way of dealing with a problem or mystery continuously for some time. For example, "Scientists "have been solving" complex equations for the past few weeks".

What are some alternatives to "have been solving"?

You can use alternatives like "have been addressing", "have been tackling", or "have been working on" depending on the context.

Is "have been solving" formal or informal?

"Have been solving" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, its appropriateness depends on the specific situation and audience.

What is the difference between "have been solving" and "have solved"?

"Have been solving" implies an ongoing process, while "have solved" indicates a completed action. Use "have been solving" when you want to emphasize the duration of the problem-solving effort.