it has been running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing action or state that started in the past and continues to the present. Example: "The software has been running smoothly since the last update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It has been running its delivery trucks up to 15 hours a day since then.

The New York Times

It has been running its own advertisements since May promoting the integrity of the city's 160-year-old water system.

The New York Times

It has been running its factories day and night since then to satisfy the demand touched off by the collapse of the twin skyscrapers, Dell executives said.

The New York Times

It has been running its Verified Rights Owner program since 1998, which allows over 40,000 rights owners a means of reporting possible counterfeit goods.

TechCrunch

It has been running for almost three weeks.

The New York Times

"It has been running for months.

The Guardian

It has been running at Wyndham's Theatre for 11 months.

The New Yorker

It has been running current-account surpluses for four decades.

The Economist

Now it has been running for several years.

The Guardian

It has been running Do-It-Herself workshops for female customers since 2003.

The New York Times

Known as El Gordo ("The Fat One"), it has been running uninterrupted since 1812.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration, consider adding details like "for X years" or "since Y date" to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was running" when you intend to convey that the action is still ongoing. "It was running" implies that the action has stopped.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been running" primarily functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. This indicates an action that began in the past and is still in progress. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and wide usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been running" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe an action or process that started in the past and continues to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business domains. While maintaining a neutral register, it effectively conveys duration and ongoing activity. Related phrases like "it has been operating" and "it has been functioning" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using this phrase, ensure that the intended meaning reflects an action that is still in progress to avoid tense errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been operating

Emphasizes the functionality and performance of a system or process.

it has been functioning

Focuses on the ability of something to work correctly and serve its purpose.

it has been in effect

Highlights the active state of a rule, law, or agreement over a period.

it has been underway

Indicates that an event or project has been in progress for some time.

it has been ongoing

Stresses the continuous and uninterrupted nature of an activity or situation.

it has been proceeding

Suggests forward movement and development over a certain duration.

it has been maintained

Implies that something has been kept in a certain condition for a period of time.

it has been sustained

Focuses on the ability to continue or support something over a period.

it has existed

Highlights the simple presence of something for a period of time.

it has persevered

Implies that something has continued despite challenges or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "it has been running" to describe an action or process that started in the past and continues to the present. For example, "The program "it has been running" smoothly all day" or "The business "it has been running" for five years".

What are some alternatives to "it has been running"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it has been operating", "it has been functioning", or "it has been in progress". These phrases offer similar meanings but may emphasize different aspects of the ongoing action.

What is the difference between "it has been running" and "it ran"?

"It ran" implies a completed action in the past, while "it has been running" indicates an action that started in the past and is still continuing. The present perfect continuous tense emphasizes the duration and ongoing nature of the action.

Is "it has been running" formal or informal?

"It has been running" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.