have been turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been turned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has been changed or transformed in the past and continues to have that state. Example: "The old factory has been turned into a modern art gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now the tables have been turned.

The Economist

The Giants have been turned inside out.

The New York Times - Sports

Cities have been turned into ghost towns.

The New Yorker

Consumers would have been turned off.

The New York Times

These days, the tables have been turned.

The New York Times

They have been turned into Queen Victoria.

The New York Times - Sports

Both demands have been turned down for now.

The Economist

They have been turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The New York Times

They have been turned into Queen _________.

The New York Times

Rural communities have been turned into islands.

The Guardian

The tables have been turned by Gucci.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been turned", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being transformed and the resulting state. For example, "The old factory has been turned into luxury apartments."

Common error

Avoid using "have been turned" with a singular subject. Ensure the subject is plural or collective to maintain correct grammar. Instead of "The house have been turned", use "The houses have been turned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been turned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence has undergone a transformation or change. Ludwig's examples show a wide range of subjects, from physical objects to abstract concepts, being acted upon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been turned" is a versatile passive voice construction used to describe a completed transformation resulting in a current state. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure correct subject-verb agreement and clear context about the transformation. Alternatives like "have been converted" or "have been transformed" can be used for variety. Remember to avoid using "have been turned" with singular subjects. Considering its widespread usage and clear grammatical function, mastering this phrase will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been converted

Emphasizes a transformation from one form or use to another.

have been transformed

Focuses on a significant change in form or appearance.

have been changed

A more general term for alteration or modification.

have been made into

Highlights the process of creation or conversion into something new.

have been altered

Suggests a modification or adjustment, often minor.

have been switched

Indicates a replacement or exchange of one thing for another.

have been remodeled

Implies a restructuring or redesign of something.

have been restyled

Focuses on changes to the appearance or style.

have experienced a shift

Highlights the movement or change from one state to another.

have undergone a conversion

Emphasizes the process of being converted.

FAQs

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

"Have been turned" indicates a past action with ongoing results. For example, "The fields "have been turned into" parking lots" shows a transformation from fields to parking lots.

What are some alternatives to "have been turned"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "have been converted", "have been transformed", or "have been changed" as alternatives to "have been turned".

Is it correct to say "has been turned" instead of "have been turned"?

No, "has been turned" is used with singular subjects, while "have been turned" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The key has been turned", but "The pages have been turned".

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

"Have been turned" implies a completed action with present relevance, while "were turned" simply describes a past action. "The lights have been turned off" indicates they are currently off. "The lights were turned off" simply states a past event.