having been driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having been driven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has been motivated or compelled to act in a certain way, often in a passive construction. Example: "Having been driven by a strong desire to succeed, she worked tirelessly to achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

During this period he also claimed thousands of pounds for overnight accommodation in London despite having been driven back to his home 46 miles away in a chauffeur driven car, paid for by Essex County Council.

The Telegraph

Having been driven just 15 miles, it was essentially new.

The New York Times

The Morgans are presented as having been driven apart by the pressures of modern life.

The Guardian - Film

Many would have been especially weary, having been driven hundreds of miles to urban markets.

Nature

Both Mr Yang and Ms Deng are seen as having been driven over the edge by brutish, arrogant officialdom.

The Economist

Friends of the men who left described them as having been driven by a mix of nationalist and religious fervor.

The New York Times

I am stunned when he tells me that the painting that has most inspired him is Millais Opheliaa, showing her drowning in a stream, having been driven mad.

The Guardian - Arts

From there, a rutted track leads to a series of tented camps in which thousands of Muslims are living, having been driven from their communities.

Independent

Having been driven out of Scotland, Mary was being held, without charge or trial, in a kind of protective detention in the North of England.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I have been driven to succeed.

The New York Times

Deer have been driven into villages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having been driven", ensure the subject performing the driving action is clear, as this phrase is in the passive voice and can sometimes obscure the agent responsible for the action. For example, instead of saying "Having been driven to distraction", specify who or what caused the distraction.

Common error

A common mistake is using "having been driven" without a clear understanding of the passive voice, which can lead to ambiguous sentences. Ensure that the context provides enough information about who or what is doing the driving to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having been driven" functions as a participial phrase, specifically a perfect passive participle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state or condition resulting from a prior action. Examples show it describing motivations or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having been driven" is a versatile participial phrase used to indicate a past action that influences a present state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently found in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the agent performing the action is clear to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, tailoring your language to the specific context is always advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being compelled

Emphasizes the feeling of obligation or necessity that leads to an action.

being motivated

Focuses on the internal or external incentives that inspire action.

being influenced

Highlights the impact of external factors on one's actions or decisions.

being pressured

Suggests a sense of coercion or urgency that prompts action.

being pushed

Implies a forceful or insistent influence that leads to a particular outcome.

being led

Focuses on guidance or direction from an external source.

being persuaded

Highlights the role of convincing arguments or appeals in influencing behavior.

being impelled

Emphasizes a strong, often irresistible, internal or external force driving action.

being instigated

Focuses on the initiation or triggering of an action by an external agent.

being induced

Highlights the process of causing or bringing about a particular state or action.

FAQs

How can I use "having been driven" in a sentence?

You can use "having been driven" to describe a state or action that is the result of an external force. For example, "Having been driven by financial difficulties, they decided to sell their house".

What are some alternatives to "having been driven"?

Alternatives include phrases like "being compelled", "being motivated", or "being influenced", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what did the driving when using "having been driven"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the agent that did the driving often improves clarity, especially in complex sentences. Omitting it can sometimes lead to ambiguity. For example, "Having been driven by ambition, she worked tirelessly" is clearer if you specify whose ambition drove her.

What is the difference between "having been driven" and "being driven"?

"Having been driven" implies a completed action that has already influenced the current state or situation. "Being driven" suggests a continuous or ongoing action. For example, "Having been driven from their homes, they sought refuge" (completed action), versus "They felt like they were being driven from their homes" (ongoing action).