it has been thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular idea or belief has been held or considered by people in the past. Example: "It has been thought that exercise can improve mental health, leading to a more balanced lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every detail in it has been thought out.

The New York Times

"I don't think it has been thought through very well.

The Guardian

It has been thought that specific artists like Canaletto and Vermeer may have used optical devices.

The New York Times - Books

It has been thought from some earlier studies that such intermittent therapy was roughly as effective as continuous therapy.

The New York Times - Health

In the States after 9/11 it has been thought of as a reflection on the Patriot Act.

The Guardian

"It has been thought about and has been rigorously tested," he said in his evidence to the committee.

The Guardian

It has been thought that deeper sedation levels were associated with higher levels of comfort.

Annals of Intensive Care

It has been thought that sleep abnormalities may underlie information processing deficits associated with this disorder.

Schizophrenia Research

It has been thought of as an individual relationship and has had few rules and regulations".

Science Magazine

It has been thought to be involved in everything from arthritis to asthma.

Forbes

On this basis, it has been thought that a longer half-life causes a lower probability of recurrence [49].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been thought" to introduce a perspective or idea that was prevalent at some point but may not be universally accepted or is subject to change based on new information.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "it has been thought" as it can make your writing sound vague and less engaging. Consider rephrasing to attribute the thought to a specific group or individual where possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been thought" serves as an introductory phrase to present a belief, theory, or assumption. It is commonly used to introduce ideas that may not be universally accepted or have been superseded by new information. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a belief or assumption, often one that may have been held in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, this phrase is prevalent in both scientific and journalistic contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While it's important to be aware of potential overuse of passive voice, this phrase serves a valuable function in presenting information in a clear and informative way. Consider alternatives like "it is believed" or "it is considered" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is believed

Changes the verb tense to present tense and emphasizes the current belief.

it is considered

Focuses on the act of considering something to be true or valid.

it is assumed

Highlights the idea that something is taken for granted without proof.

it is understood

Suggests a general comprehension or awareness of something.

it is known

Implies that something is a recognized fact or piece of information.

it is supposed

Indicates an expectation or convention surrounding something.

people think

Offers a more informal way to express a general belief.

the prevailing view is

Highlights the dominant or most common opinion on a matter.

the general consensus is

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people.

there's a common understanding

Focuses on mutual awareness and agreement.

FAQs

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

Use "it has been thought" to introduce a viewpoint that was commonly held in the past. For instance, "it has been thought that exercise improves mental health".

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

Alternatives include "it is believed", "it is considered", or "it is assumed". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when expressing a common belief?

While "it has been thought" (passive) is grammatically correct, using active voice, such as "many believe", can make your writing more direct and engaging. However, passive voice is suitable when the actor is unknown or irrelevant.

What's the difference between "it has been thought" and "it is thought"?

"It has been thought" implies that the belief was held in the past but may not be currently held or proven, while "it is thought" suggests a current belief or understanding. For example, "it is thought that climate change is affecting weather patterns" indicates a present-day belief.