have been used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action that was completed in the past. For example, "Various techniques have been used to try to reduce pollution levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

None have been used.

The New York Times

Garlands have been used for many purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Various nomenclature systems have been used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Choicer words have been used," he replied.

The New York Times - Science

Sphinxes have been used as guardians.

The New York Times

Similar keys have been used ever since.

The New York Times - Arts

Pools have been used as stages before.

The New York Times

Could "smartphone" have been used instead?

The New York Times

Savage coercion must have been used.

The Guardian - Travel

They have been used in court.

The Guardian

Both have been used in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been used", ensure the subject clearly indicates what has been utilized. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been used" with singular subjects. The correct form for a singular subject is "has been used".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been used" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. It indicates that an action of using something has been completed at some point in the past, with relevance to the present. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been used" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, notably science, news media, and formal business settings. It serves to indicate that certain tools, methods, or strategies have been employed, often with continuing relevance to the present. While suitable for diverse communication, it is crucial to maintain subject-verb agreement. Alternatives such as "have been implemented", "have been applied", or "have been utilized" can be considered to enhance precision or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been utilized

Is a more formal synonym, suggesting efficient or effective use.

have been implemented

Focuses on the action of putting something into effect or practice, differing from general usage.

have been employed

Emphasizes the utilization of something for a specific purpose, adding a layer of intentionality.

have been adopted

Highlights the acceptance or taking up of something, suggesting a choice or endorsement.

have been applied

Indicates the use of something in a particular situation or context, stressing practical application.

have seen action

Emphasizes that something has been in use, specifically with an implication that the use was practical and functional.

has been put to work

Emphasizes active and intentional use.

were in service

Refers to the period something was available for operation.

has found utility

Implies that the usefulness of something has been discovered.

were active

Focuses on the period something was operational.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been used" to describe past actions where something was utilized. For instance, "Various methods "have been used" to solve this problem."

What are some alternatives to saying "have been used"?

Alternatives include "have been implemented", "have been applied", or "have been utilized", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, but "has been used" is for singular subjects, while "have been used" is for plural subjects. For example, "The tool has been used" versus "The tools "have been used"".

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

"Have been used" implies a connection to the present or a continuing relevance, while "were used" simply describes a past action with no specific connection to the present. For instance, "These techniques "have been used" recently" versus "These techniques were used in the 1990s."