it has always been

USAGE SUMMARY

'it has always been' is a perfectly valid and useful phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something has been consistent over a period of time. For example, "It has always been one of my main goals to travel as much as I can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has always been so.

The Economist

It has always been thus.

Forbes

It has always been nondenominational.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has always been that way.

The New York Times - Sports

"It has always been the prize".

The New York Times

But it has always been friendly!

Independent

"It has always been in my mind.

Independent

"It has always been like that.

The New Yorker

It has always been my dream.

The New York Times - Sports

So it has always been popular.

Independent

It has always been about Mitt Romney.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has always been" to emphasize the continuous nature of a state, condition, or characteristic. This phrase is particularly effective when contrasting past assumptions with present realities or when highlighting a consistent truth.

Common error

Avoid using "it has always been" when referring to relatively short periods. The phrase implies a significant duration or consistent pattern over a long time, so ensure the context aligns with this sense of longevity. Instead consider using other alternatives like "it is usually".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has always been" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the duration and consistency of a state or condition. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to emphasize continuity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has always been" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the continuous nature of a state, condition, or characteristic over a significant period. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly valid in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with academic writing also making significant use of it. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implied sense of longevity. Consider alternatives such as "it has consistently been" or "it was ever thus" for nuanced expressions. Using this phrase will give your readers a sense of consistency, especially when used to highlight a consistent truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has consistently been

Substitutes "always" with "consistently", stressing the unchanging nature of something over time.

it has historically been

Replaces "always" with "historically", highlighting the long-term presence from a historical perspective.

it has invariably been

Uses "invariably" to underscore the constant and unchanging nature of something.

it was ever thus

Replaces "always" with "ever thus", lending a slightly more archaic or formal tone.

it has been the case since the start

Highlights that a situation or condition has been true from the very beginning.

it has been like that from the beginning

Emphasizes the origin of the state or condition, highlighting its presence since inception.

it's been this way forever

An informal alternative that emphasizes the immemorial nature of the situation.

it is a long-standing tradition

Specifically refers to traditions, implying established practices over an extended period.

it is a time-honored custom

Similar to "long-standing tradition" but emphasizes respect and reverence for the practice.

it is an established fact

Focuses on the undisputed nature of something, highlighting its acceptance over time.

FAQs

How can I use "it has always been" in a sentence?

Use "it has always been" to emphasize a state, quality, or condition that has consistently existed over a significant period. For instance, "It has always been my dream to travel the world" indicates a long-held aspiration.

What phrases are similar to "it has always been"?

Alternatives include "it was ever thus", "it has historically been", or "it has consistently been". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it always has been" instead of "it has always been"?

While understandable, "it has always been" is the more grammatically standard and commonly accepted form. "It always has been" can sound slightly less formal or even incorrect to some native speakers.

What's the difference between "it has always been" and "it used to be"?

"It has always been" indicates a continuous state from the past to the present, while "it used to be" implies a change in state. For example, "It has always been a challenge" suggests an ongoing difficulty, while "It used to be a challenge" indicates that the difficulty no longer exists.