it has been used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been utilized or employed in the past and may still be relevant or applicable. Example: "The method has been widely accepted because it has been used in various studies to demonstrate its effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been used as a rental.

The New York Times - Travel

It has been used to prosecute whistleblowers.

The Guardian

It has been used terribly over the years".

The New York Times

And now it has been used by Bashar al-Assad.

The Guardian

It has been used to criminalise struggles for liberation.

The Guardian

Since then, it has been used mostly for soccer.

The New York Times

But it has been used for less noble causes.

The Guardian

"It has been used for the past 50 years.

The Guardian

It has been used for concerts, town meetings and cotillions.

The New York Times

It has been used to derail progress toward peace.

The New York Times

It has been used against journalists, such as Sally Murrer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on the passive voice (as in "it has been used") can make writing sound indirect. Consider active voice constructions when appropriate to create a more engaging and direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been used" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular object, method, or concept has been employed or utilized at some point in the past. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing a wide array of applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Opinion

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been used" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase used to indicate that something has been utilized in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, scientific literature, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by explicitly referencing what "it" refers to. Be mindful of overuse and consider active voice alternatives for a more engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was employed

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or deliberate application.

it was utilized

Similar to "employed", "utilized" implies efficient or practical use.

it has been applied

"Applied" suggests the implementation of something, like a method or technique.

it has seen use

This phrase emphasizes the fact of being used, rather than the action itself.

it is in use

Indicates that something is currently being used.

it has been implemented

"Implemented" is more appropriate when referring to systems, plans, or policies.

it has been adopted

"Adopted" indicates that something has been accepted and put into practice.

it has been exercised

"Exercised" suggests the use of a right, power, or skill.

it has a history of use

This phrase points to a record or pattern of previous usage.

it has been tried

"Tried" indicates something has been tested or experimented with.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it has been used" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "it was utilized", "it was employed", or "it has been implemented", depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "it has been used" in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, consider alternatives such as "it was applied", "it has been investigated", or "it was tested" for greater precision.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using the phrase "it has been used"?

While "it has been used" is grammatically correct (passive voice), active voice can often create a more direct and engaging tone. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor, for example, "Researchers have used it" instead of "it has been used by researchers."

What's the difference between saying "it has been used" and "it is being used"?

"It has been used" implies that something was used in the past and may or may not be currently in use. "It is being used" indicates that something is currently in the process of being used.