have been taught

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been taught" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that someone has learned in the past, usually through instruction. For example: "I have been taught the important principles of honor and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The boys have been taught the answer.

The New Yorker

They have been taught to hate.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have been taught how to think.

The Guardian

They have been taught how to delay gratification.

The New York Times

Our people have been taught not to think.

Independent

I would like to have been taught by him.

The New York Times - Books

For years "we have been taught not to like things.

The New Yorker

Mr. Grisham knows what lawyers have been taught to do.

The New York Times - Books

Those are qualities Americans have been taught to love.

The New York Times

But few of us have been taught data-visualization skills.

Harvard Business Review

He told me: "It was an extraordinary privilege to have been taught by him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been taught" to indicate that someone has received instruction or training in a particular subject or skill. It emphasizes the process of learning and the influence of the instructor.

Common error

Avoid using "have been taught" when you intend to describe self-taught knowledge or skills. This phrase specifically indicates instruction from an external source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been taught" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb "teach", indicating that the subject of the sentence has received instruction or knowledge from an external source. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been taught" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that someone has received instruction or training. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, remember to consider the passive voice construction and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of external instruction. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the idea of acquired knowledge and skills in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were trained

Emphasizes the process of acquiring specific skills or knowledge for a particular purpose.

were instructed

Focuses more on the act of giving instructions or commands.

received training

Implies a practical, hands-on learning experience.

were educated

Emphasizes the formal educational process rather than specific instruction.

were coached

Suggests personalized guidance and mentoring.

were mentored

Highlights the role of a mentor in guiding and shaping someone's development.

were schooled

Similar to "were educated" but can sometimes imply a more rigorous or old-fashioned approach.

were guided

Highlights the provision of direction and assistance.

were shown

Focuses on demonstration and visual learning.

were indoctrinated

Implies a forceful or biased form of teaching, often with the aim of instilling specific beliefs.

FAQs

How to use "have been taught" in a sentence?

"Have been taught" is used to indicate that someone has received instruction or training. For example, "The students "have been taught" the principles of physics".

What can I say instead of "have been taught"?

You can use alternatives like "were instructed", "received training", or "were educated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "have been taught" or "had been taught"?

"Have been taught" refers to something learned in the recent past or still relevant, while "had been taught" refers to something learned in the more distant past and may no longer be relevant. The choice depends on the timeline you're describing.

What's the difference between "have been taught" and "were taught"?

"Have been taught" implies a process that started in the past and continues to have relevance, while "were taught" simply describes a past action without necessarily implying ongoing relevance. For example, "They "have been taught" to respect others" suggests this teaching continues to influence their behavior, while "They "were taught" history in school" is a statement about a past educational experience.