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
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
have shone
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'have shone' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was vibrant and illuminating in the past. For example: 'The colors of the sunset have shone brightly and beautifully over the past few days.'.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
In another time and place, with another administration, he would have shone.
News & Media
Recent mobile phone videos and TV footage have shone a light on prisons.
News & Media
Neither could be said to have shone as brightly for Argentina and Portugal.
News & Media
He was, I think, looking forward to the forthcoming referendum debates and his clarity and conviction would have shone through.
News & Media
THROUGH all the unhappy turbulence of Latin America's recent economic history, two countries have shone radiantly, Chile and Colombia.
News & Media
Lydia Wellington and Andrew Scordato were among those who have shone with a new distinction this fall.
News & Media
Sandwiched between the bizarre (Eastwood) and the boring (Romney) the Florida senator, Marco Rubio, may have shone too brightly.
News & Media
We have shone a light on the country's rich network of hardworking farmers, food producers, cooks and campaigners.
News & Media
Players like Corey Ashe have shone, with Ashe and Kofi Sarkodie adding defensive solidity to their speedy full-back play.
News & Media
The modesty and decency to which those who knew him have universally attested would have shone through on the big screen.
News & Media
Rihanna's version of this sound dates to the club music of the early 1990s, an era in which she would have shone.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "have shone" to describe a past event or period where something or someone demonstrated exceptional quality or performance. Ensure the context clearly indicates what has been radiant or distinguished.
Common error
Avoid using "have shone" when referring to future events. The phrase is in the present perfect tense, indicating a completed action in the past. If you intend to refer to future, use "will shine".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "have shone" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating that something or someone has emitted light, figuratively or literally, at some point in the past leading up to the present. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
64%
Formal & Business
19%
Science
17%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "have shone" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe past instances of brilliance or success. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. Related phrases like "have excelled" or "have distinguished themselves" offer nuanced alternatives. When using "have shone", remember to maintain consistency in tense and consider the context to ensure clarity and impact. The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for both formal and neutral communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
have excelled
Focuses on achieving outstanding performance or exceeding expectations.
have distinguished themselves
Highlights the act of setting oneself apart from others in a positive way.
have stood out
Emphasizes being noticeable or prominent due to exceptional qualities.
have radiated
Suggests emitting a strong positive feeling or quality.
have glittered
Implies a sparkling or dazzling appearance or success.
have thrived
Indicates successful growth or development.
have flourished
Similar to thrived, but often implies a more abundant or vibrant success.
have emerged
Suggests rising to prominence or becoming recognized.
have become prominent
Directly states the act of becoming well-known or important.
have illuminated
Focuses on the act of providing light or clarity, both literally and figuratively.
FAQs
How can I use "have shone" in a sentence?
You can use "have shone" to describe something that has exhibited brilliance or excellence in the past. For example, "The athletes "have shone" throughout the competition" indicates their outstanding performance.
What are some alternatives to "have shone"?
Some alternatives include "have excelled", "have distinguished themselves", or "have stood out", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Is "have shone" formal or informal?
"Have shone" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various types of writing. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.
What's the difference between "have shone" and "have shined"?
"Have shone" and "have shined" are both past participles of the verb 'to shine,' but "have shone" is generally preferred when referring to figurative shining, such as exhibiting talent or excellence, while "have shined" is more commonly used for literal shining.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested