have been started

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been started" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is the passive form of the verb "start" in the present perfect tense. This phrase is commonly used to indicate that an action started in the past and is still ongoing or has recently been completed. It can also be used to describe a situation or condition that has been in effect for a period of time. Example: The construction of the new building has been started, but it will not be completed until next year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few channels have been started since then.

The New York Times

Some have been started by human carelessness.

The New York Times

Belated search committees have been started.

The New York Times - Sports

Several programs on national and international level have been started.

Stanford University

Labour-market reforms have been started but not expanded.

The Economist

"This program should have been started earlier," she said.

The New York Times

Only 16 new apartment houses have been started.

The New Yorker

"It should have been started years ago," the son says.

The Washington Post

More than 150 newspapers have been started since liberation.

The New York Times

Some have been started by negligent landowners clearing brush.

The New York Times

Developments with membrane cells have been started in many places throughout the world.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been started", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who initiated the action. Clarity in the subject performing the action enhances understanding.

Common error

While "have been started" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "The project has been started by the team", try "The team has started the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been started" functions as a passive verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It describes an action that began in the past and has relevance to the present. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction emphasizes that an action has commenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been started" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate the commencement of an action or process with present relevance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently encountered in news, scientific, and academic contexts, and while its usage is generally neutral, writers should consider the active voice for more direct communication. Related phrases like "have been initiated" or "are underway" can provide stylistic alternatives. Understanding these nuances helps ensure clear and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been commenced

Uses a more formal synonym for "started".

have been initiated

Implies a more deliberate and formal beginning.

have been launched

Suggests a more public or significant beginning, often used for projects or campaigns.

have been begun

A more formal and slightly less common alternative to "have been started".

have started the process

Focuses on the action of beginning a process, rather than a simple start.

have started work

Emphasizes the commencement of labor or effort.

have set in motion

Implies initiating a series of events or actions.

have been set up

Suggests establishing or preparing something for operation.

are underway

Indicates that something has begun and is currently in progress.

have been triggered

Suggests that something has been activated or initiated by a specific event.

FAQs

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

Use "have been started" to describe an action that began in the past and may still be ongoing or have recently finished. For example, "Construction on the new library "have been started", but it will take two years to complete."

What's a more formal way to say "have been started"?

More formal alternatives include "have been commenced" or "have been initiated". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "have been started"?

While the passive form "have been started" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The investigation "have been started" by the police", you could say "The police have started the investigation."

What are some common synonyms for "have been started"?

Some common synonyms include "have been launched", "are underway", or "have begun", depending on the context.