have been spotted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been spotted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has been seen or observed, often in a specific context or location. Example: "Rare birds have been spotted in the wetlands this season, attracting many birdwatchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could this have been spotted sooner?

Independent

Hermit thrushes have been spotted.

The New York Times

Lone Australian and Californian bottlings have been spotted.

The Washington Post

Recently, Isis activists have been spotted distributing leaflets in Peshawar.

Independent

Even seals have been spotted, some paddlers insist.

The New York Times

They are "shy Tories," and they have been spotted before.

The New Yorker

Some have been spotted driving Bentleys and Lamborghinis.

The New York Times

In Los Angeles, coyotes have been spotted roaming golf courses.

The New York Times

Seals have been spotted sunning themselves on shore rocks.

The New York Times

People have been spotted in Yellowstone taking photographs with bison.

The New York Times - Travel

Tomato plants have been spotted on fire escapes and windowsills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been spotted" when you want to convey that something or someone has been seen, often unexpectedly or in a specific location. For example, "Rare birds have been spotted in the park."

Common error

While "have been spotted" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem less direct. Consider whether an active construction might be more impactful. For example, instead of "The thief has been spotted by the police", you could write "The police spotted the thief."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been spotted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something or someone was observed or seen. It's frequently used to report sightings, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been spotted" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to report observations or sightings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. While it's a useful phrase, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives such as "were observed" or "were detected" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase's consistent usage across reputable sources and clear communicative purpose contribute to its high expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were seen

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on the act of seeing.

were noticed

Suggests that something became apparent or attracted attention.

have been discovered

Focuses on the finding of something new or previously unknown.

were observed

Uses a more formal verb "observed" instead of "spotted", emphasizing a deliberate act of watching.

have been witnessed

Emphasizes the act of being a spectator to an event or occurrence.

were detected

Implies a more technical or scientific observation, often using instruments or specialized methods.

have been identified

Highlights the recognition or classification of something after observation.

have come to light

Indicates that something previously unknown has been revealed or discovered.

are on record

It means there is evidence of something.

have been unearthed

It is used in the same way as "have come to light", but it is more specific and implies that something previously unknown has been revealed or discovered.

FAQs

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

Use "have been spotted" to indicate that something or someone has been seen or observed in a particular location or context. For example, "Several celebrities have been spotted at the new restaurant downtown".

What are some alternatives to "have been spotted"?

You can use alternatives such as "were observed", "were detected", or "were noticed" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "have been spotted" and "have been seen"?

"Have been seen" is a more general term for being observed, while "have been spotted" often implies that the sighting was somewhat unexpected or noteworthy. For example, you might say "Stars have been spotted at the festival" but "Cars have been seen on the road".

Is it correct to say "was spotted" instead of "have been spotted"?

Yes, "was spotted" is correct, but it refers to a singular subject or a single instance of spotting. "Have been spotted" refers to multiple subjects or multiple instances. For example, "The rare bird was spotted yesterday" versus "Rare birds have been spotted throughout the region".