have been through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been through" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation that has already been experienced or is familiar to one. For example: "I've been through this before and know how to handle it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Many have been through foreclosure.

The New York Times

You really have been through a lot.

The New York Times

Guys here have been through this before".

The New York Times - Sports

All my connections have been through school".

The New York Times - Arts

They have been through plenty worse.

The New York Times

SOEs, meanwhile, have been through hell.

The Economist

We have been through so much together.

Independent

"They have been through it many times.

Independent

We have been through a lot, people.

The New York Times

We have been through hell, my family".

The New York Times

We have been through this before.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been through", ensure the context clearly indicates what experience or situation is being referred to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been through" without specifying the event or situation; this can leave the reader confused about the subject of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been through" functions as a present perfect construction indicating that someone has experienced or endured a particular situation or event. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from personal struggles to collective experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been through" is a versatile and commonly used expression for indicating that someone has experienced or endured a specific situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its neutrality and wide applicability, evidenced by its frequent usage across various reputable sources like the The New York Times and The Guardian, make it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies the experience being referred to in order to maximize clarity. Consider related phrases like "have experienced" or "have faced" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have experienced

Focuses on the act of undergoing or encountering something, emphasizing the direct involvement.

have encountered

Highlights an experience that was met or faced, often implying a challenge or obstacle.

have undergone

Emphasizes a process or transformation that one has been subjected to or participated in.

have faced

Stresses the confrontation with difficulties or challenges, suggesting resilience.

have lived through

Highlights survival or endurance of a difficult or significant event, emphasizing duration.

have seen

Suggests witnessing or observing something, often with an element of personal impact.

have dealt with

Focuses on managing or handling a situation, indicating active problem-solving.

have weathered

Implies successfully overcoming a challenging period or situation, often involving hardship.

have surmounted

Emphasizes overcoming significant obstacles or barriers, highlighting achievement.

have navigated

Suggests skillful maneuvering through complex or difficult circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been through" to describe past experiences. For instance, "I "have been through" similar situations before, so I know how to handle this."

What are some alternatives to "have been through"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have experienced", "have faced", or "have undergone".

Is "have been through" formal or informal?

"Have been through" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific situation being described.

What's the difference between "have gone through" and "have been through"?

"Have gone through" and "have been through" are often interchangeable. However, "have gone through" might emphasize the process or journey more than "have been through".