having been used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'having been used' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has happened prior to the main verb in the sentence. It is usually used in the passive voice (i.e. have been or had been used). For example: The tool, having been used for many years, needed to be replaced.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boo Boo, a relatively small 300-pound female, came to the zoo from Sioux City, Iowa, after having been used as down payment on a used car.

The New York Times

Despite having been used for over 50 years, the usefulness of pulmonary artery catheters is disappointing [5].

Annals of Intensive Care

He apologized to Mr. Kwon for his having been "used as a political punching bag".

The New York Times

Looking back at his childhood, Mr. Coleman saw himself as having been used.

The New York Times

That, he said, is because most of the roads already exist, having been used for years by landfill workers.

The New York Times

Some of these balances are now trapped with CIT, having been used as collateral for its own borrowing.

The Economist

The police revealed after the game that they had received a report of racist language having been used.

Independent

The current generation of metal-on-metal devices is still relatively new, having been used increasingly over the last decade.

The New York Times - Health

Having been used to a specific European clientele, Mr. Asch says the fresh faces offer a new challenge.

The New York Times

"They have a lot of times experienced having been used in their marriage or their previous relationship," Father Landry said.

The New York Times

The Rick's piano is still very much playable, having been used in a concert of Max Steiner's music for Casablanca at the Hollywood Bowl in 2006.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having been used", ensure the phrase clearly connects a past action to its present relevance in your sentence.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing "having been used" close to the noun or pronoun it modifies to prevent misinterpretation of what exactly was used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having been used" functions as a past participle phrase, indicating a completed action that has relevance to a subsequent event or state. Ludwig's AI confirms this, as the phrase is generally found in passive constructions to show prior actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having been used" serves as a past participle phrase denoting a completed action influencing a subsequent state or event. Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples confirm its correct and common usage across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for many writing styles, particularly in news, science and wiki sources, while its authoritative use in platforms like The New York Times and The Guardian affirm its validity. Remember to place the phrase close to the modified noun to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being utilized

Focuses more on the process of utilization rather than a concluded use.

having been implemented

Highlights the action of putting something into effect before a particular time.

having been employed

Emphasizes the active application or engagement of something.

having been applied

Highlights the specific act of application prior to a certain moment.

having been adopted

Focuses on the acceptance or taking up of something.

having been consumed

Specifically implies that something has been used up or exhausted.

having been exercised

Highlights the execution or practice of something.

previously in service

Highlights the state of having rendered service earlier.

formerly in operation

Highlights the state of having had earlier functionality.

once in use

Highlights the past use of something.

FAQs

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

Use "having been used" to connect a prior action to its current state or relevance, for example, "The tool, "having been used" for many years, needed to be replaced".

What is a good substitute for "having been used"?

Alternatives include "being utilized", "having been implemented", or "having been employed", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "having been use" instead of "having been used"?

No, "having been use" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""having been used"", which employs the past participle "used".

What's the difference between "having been used" and "being used"?

"Having been used" indicates an action completed in the past with present relevance, whereas "being used" describes an action in progress.