it never has been

USAGE SUMMARY

"it never has been" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the idea that something has never occurred or been true in the past and is not currently true. Examples: - "I've never been to Europe before, and it never has been a top priority for me, but now I really want to go." - "The company has been struggling financially for years, but it never has been in such dire straits as it is now." - "She's always been a bit shy, but it never has been a hindrance to her success in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It never has been".

The New York Times

In 20 years, it never has been.

The New York Times

Purdy: No, it never has been.

Yale University

Perhaps it never has been.

The New York Times

It never has been," he said.

The Washington Post

It never has been," says Mati.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It really never has been.

The New York Times

It isn't and never has been.

Independent

It should never have been built".

Independent

It may never have been noticed.

The Guardian

"Geologically, it should never have been here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it never has been", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what 'it' refers to for better understanding.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "it never has been" in casual conversations can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it wasn't" or "it never was" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it never has been" functions as a strong negative assertion, denying that a particular state or condition has ever existed. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig show it being used to refute claims or correct misconceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it never has been" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a strong negative assertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English and effectively denies a past or present state. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register. While effective for clear communication, it’s important to be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Top sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post frequently employ this phrase, highlighting its reliability in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has not ever been

Rephrases using "ever" for emphasis, maintaining the original meaning.

it was never the case

Uses "was" to shift the tense slightly while conveying the same concept.

it has not been so

Simplifies the structure, maintaining a formal tone.

it has always been otherwise

Presents an opposing viewpoint, indicating a constant different state.

that has never happened

Changes the subject to 'that' but keeps the core meaning.

it simply wasn't

Condenses the phrase for a more emphatic denial.

it has consistently differed

Emphasizes a continual divergence from a specific state.

it has historically contrasted

Highlights historical differences and long-term variance.

it has defied expectations

Showcases an unfulfilled anticipation or prior assumption.

it hasn't transpired that way

Emphasizes that the event did not occur in the manner described.

FAQs

What does "it never has been" mean?

The phrase "it never has been" indicates that something has not been the case or has not occurred at any point in the past. It is used to negate a statement or assumption.

What can I say instead of "it never has been"?

You can use alternatives like "it was never the case", "it has not been so", or "that has never happened" depending on the context.

How do I use "it never has been" in a sentence?

Use "it never has been" to firmly deny a past or present state. For example: "American education is not meritocratic, and "it never has been".

Is "it never was" the same as "it never has been"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "it never has been" suggests a state that has not existed over a period, while "it never was" may simply refer to a state that did not exist at a particular point in time.