have been well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being or condition that has persisted over time, often in response to inquiries about someone's health or well-being. Example: "Thank you for asking, I have been well since our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

These have been well documented.

The Economist

Results have been, well, mixed.

The New York Times - Food

Still others have been, well, humbling.

The New York Times - Arts

We have been well received.

The Guardian - Sport

Pickets have been well fed.

The New York Times

Not all changes have been well received.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

All have been well-observed.

The Economist

Generally speaking, novelists have been well-attuned to this idea.

The Guardian - Books

"I have been well-behaved for five years.

The Guardian

The problems with stop and search have been well-documented.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their hits have been well-timed, their defense is sparkling.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been well" to describe a person's health, ensure it reflects a sustained period of good health rather than a momentary state. For instance, "I have been well since recovering from the flu last month" provides more context.

Common error

Avoid using "have been well" when referring to a future state. Instead of saying "I have been well by the time you arrive", use "I will be well by the time you arrive" to correctly indicate a future condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been well" functions primarily as a predicate, indicating a state of being or condition that has persisted over time. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows it used to describe sustained health, successful outcomes, or satisfactory processes. For example, stating "I have been well" indicates a continuing state of good health.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been well" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to describe a continuing state of good health, successful outcomes, or satisfactory processes. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct, its usage is more common in news, media, and scientific contexts than in formal or academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that it appropriately reflects a sustained period rather than a momentary state. Considering all the above, "have been well" is a valid and versatile expression to indicate a positive condition over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been in good health

Specifically refers to the state of physical or mental wellness.

have fared well

Focuses on the outcome or result, indicating successful progress or performance.

have been successful

Emphasizes the achievement of a desired outcome or goal.

have been effective

Focuses on the capability of producing a desired result or effect.

have gone smoothly

Highlights the lack of problems or obstacles encountered during a process or activity.

have been skillfully managed

Highlights the expertise and competence in handling a situation or project.

have been properly executed

Highlights the correct and precise implementation of a plan or task.

have been adequately prepared

Focuses on the sufficiency of the preparation process.

have been meticulously planned

Emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in the planning stage.

have been favorably received

Indicates a positive response or acceptance from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been well" to describe a state of good health or satisfactory condition over a period of time. For example, "Since starting the new medication, I "have been well"." or "The project "have been well" managed since the beginning".

What's the difference between "have been well" and "are well"?

"Are well" refers to the present state, while "have been well" implies a continued state of well-being or success up to the present. For example, "They are well today" indicates their current health, whereas "They "have been well" since their recovery" suggests sustained good health.

What can I say instead of "have been well"?

Alternatives include "have been doing well", "have been in good health", or "have fared well", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I have been feeling well" instead of "I have been well"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I "have been well"" implies a general state of good health or condition, while "I "have been feeling well"" emphasizes the subjective experience of feeling healthy or good.