Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

have been waged

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been waged" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions or conflicts that have been ongoing or conducted over a period of time, often in the context of wars, battles, or campaigns. Example: "Numerous battles have been waged throughout history to secure freedom and independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Similar video attacks have been waged against Planned Parenthood.

The battles have been waged and, on most points, the reformists have won.

News & Media

The Economist

This is warfare as it might have been waged by Laurel & Hardy.

News & Media

The New York Times

Here's the full text of "Hometown": Announcer: A war that should never have been waged.

News & Media

The New York Times

Similar battles have been waged between other cable companies and rivals involving buildings across the country.

News & Media

The New York Times

The Spanish civil war could not have been waged, let alone won, along Orwellian lines.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Both sides have been waging a public relations battle.

News & Media

The New York Times

In the midst of much ugliness, supporters of each candidate have been waging a Wikipedia war.

News & Media

The New Yorker

In a new twist to the conflict, computer hackers have been waging war directly.

News & Media

The Economist

In each case, the police have blamed Maoist rebels, who have been waging an insurgency since 1996.

News & Media

The New York Times

But Girl Scouts have been waging the war on trans fats, and they have won.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been waged" to describe prolonged conflicts, battles, or campaigns. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "have been waged" for everyday actions. It's better suited for describing conflicts or sustained efforts, not simple tasks.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been waged" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. Ludwig examples show it frequently describes conflicts or campaigns conducted over a period of time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been waged" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase in the passive voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s best used to describe prolonged conflicts or campaigns, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it is generally inappropriate for simple, everyday actions. Alternatives like "have been fought" or "have been conducted" may be more suitable depending on the context. With a strong presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, it carries a neutral register, making it suitable for formal yet accessible communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been waged" to describe prolonged conflicts or campaigns. For example: "Numerous battles "have been waged" throughout history for various causes".

What are some alternatives to "have been waged"?

Alternatives include "have been fought", "have been conducted", or "have been carried out", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "have been waged" or "have been fought"?

While both can describe conflicts, ""have been waged"" implies a more sustained and potentially less physical conflict than "have been fought". The best choice depends on the nature of the conflict being described.

What is the difference between "have been waged" and "have been initiated"?

"Have been waged" suggests an ongoing conflict or campaign, while "have been initiated" simply means something has started. "Have been waged" implies more sustained action.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: