it has been something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a particular experience or situation has had significance or impact over a period of time. Example: "Reflecting on the past year, it has been something truly remarkable for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been something we have been waiting for.

The Guardian

"It has been something I have lived with my whole life".

The New York Times

"It has been something of an organic process, an evolution," Mr. Kurt explained.

The New York Times

BEIJING — It has been something of cruel summer for Chinese movie audiences.

The New York Times

It has been something of a tumultuous year for the Nationals' coaching staff.

The Washington Post

For the first 20 scholars identified, it has been something of a whirlwind.

The New York Times

Anyway, though it had grand beginnings, for much of the last few decades it has been something else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In general, it has been something pretty niche for us to advise our clients to get involved with".

The New York Times

Ms. Fuller wrote about this antipathy in a book last year, saying it has been something of a running motif.

The New York Times

Since the museum opened in 2002, off East 27th Street in a building owned by Mr. Gluck's father, it has been something of a curiosity.

The New York Times - Arts

While the amateurs improved their lot – super-heavy David Price became an eighth qualifier for the Olympics – it has been something of a reality check for the pros.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to reflect on a process, change, or experience that has unfolded over time. For instance, you might say, "Looking back, it has been something of a journey," to convey a sense of reflection and growth.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been something" simply to fill space in a sentence. Ensure the phrase adds genuine meaning and reflection to your writing, rather than serving as a vague or unnecessary addition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been something" functions as a subjective commentary on a preceding or implied subject, indicating a significant or noteworthy experience. Ludwig examples show its use to express a variety of feelings, from reflection to mild surprise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has been something" is a versatile expression used to reflect on past experiences, conveying a sense of significance or impact. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While frequently used, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase as filler and ensure it adds meaningful reflection to your writing. Related alternatives, such as "it has become" or "it has evolved into", can offer nuanced ways to express change and development. Understanding the context and purpose behind the phrase allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has become

Emphasizes the resulting state or condition of something after a period of change.

it has turned into

Similar to 'it has become' but often implies a more dramatic or unexpected change.

it has evolved into

Focuses on the transformation or development of something over time.

it has proven to be

Highlights the demonstrated qualities or characteristics of something over time.

it has represented

Focuses on the symbolic or representative nature of something throughout a period.

it has signified

Similar to 'it has represented' but places more emphasis on the meaning or importance conveyed.

it has entailed

Highlights the consequences or implications that have resulted from something.

it has involved

Focuses on the elements or components that have been part of something.

it has required

Emphasizes the demands or necessities that have been associated with something.

it has encompassed

Highlights the scope or range that something has covered or included.

FAQs

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

Use "it has been something" to reflect on a past event or situation that has had a notable impact or significance. For example, "Looking back on the project, "it has been something" of a learning experience."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it has been quite an experience", "it has been a journey", or "it has been an evolution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it has been something"?

Yes, "it has been something" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates that a particular situation or experience has had a significant or noteworthy quality.

What's the difference between "it has been something" and "it was something"?

"It has been something" implies that the impact or effects of the experience are still relevant or felt in the present, while "it was something" suggests that the experience is entirely in the past and its effects are no longer as relevant.