have been violated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been violated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where rights, rules, or agreements have been breached or infringed upon. Example: "The terms of the contract have been violated, leading to a potential legal dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The women have been violated.

The Guardian

"People's lives have been violated.

The New York Times

Our families have been violated.

The New York Times

People's constitutional rights have been violated.

The New York Times

Their human rights have been violated".

The Guardian - Opinion

Arguably, those principles have been violated at its British outlets.

The New York Times

But that pledge may already have been violated.

The New York Times

The human rights of Caster have been violated," she concluded.

The New Yorker

"I don't think anybody's fundamental rights have been violated".

The New York Times

"I believe my constitutional rights have been violated.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, these founding ideals have been violated repeatedly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been violated", ensure the subject clearly identifies what has been breached, such as rights, laws, or agreements. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been violated" without specifying what exactly has been violated. For instance, instead of saying "rules have been violated", specify "company policies have been violated" to provide better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been violated" functions as the passive perfect form of the verb "violate". As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that an action of violation has been completed and has relevance to the present. It is commonly used to express that rules, rights, or agreements have been breached.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been violated" is grammatically sound and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media, it serves to communicate the fact that a rule, right, or agreement has been breached. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, ensuring clarity by specifying what has been violated enhances its impact. Alternatives like "have been infringed" or "have been breached" can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. The high frequency and authoritative sources underscore its significance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been infringed

Focuses specifically on the breaking or contravention of a law, right, or agreement.

have been breached

Emphasizes the breaking of a contract, agreement, or standard.

have been transgressed

Implies a violation of moral or ethical boundaries.

have been contravened

Highlights the act of opposing a law or regulation.

have been compromised

Suggests that something has been weakened or put at risk.

have been desecrated

Specifically refers to the violation of something sacred or holy.

have been assaulted

Indicates a physical or verbal attack.

have been abused

Suggests mistreatment or exploitation.

have been wronged

Indicates that someone has been treated unfairly.

have been maltreated

Emphasizes cruel or violent treatment.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been violated" to indicate that a rule, agreement, or right has been breached. For example, "The terms of the contract "have been violated"."

What are some alternatives to "have been violated"?

Alternatives include "have been infringed", "have been breached", or "have been compromised", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "have been violated" or "were violated"?

"Have been violated" is used when the action is ongoing or has relevance to the present, while "were violated" is used for past actions without present relevance. For example, "My rights "have been violated", and I'm seeking legal action." or "My rights were violated in 2010".

What's the difference between "have been violated" and "have been breached"?

"Have been violated" is a general term for breaking a rule or right. "Have been breached" typically refers to breaking a specific agreement or contract. While sometimes interchangeable, "have been breached" is more precise when discussing agreements.