specimens have been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specimens have been" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the status or condition of specimens in a scientific or research context. Example: "The specimens have been carefully preserved to ensure their integrity for future analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The specimens have been identified as types of Anchiornis huxleyi.

The Guardian

Hundreds of ancient tattooed specimens have been found.

Independent

There are even transsexual cycads -- a few specimens have been documented to change gender under environmental stress.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hundreds of specimens have been collected since, and thus the shell's value has diminished significantly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since it was discovered in 1909, over 60,000 specimens have been retrieved from the bed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Notable specimens have been found at Franklin and Sterling Hill, near Ogdensburg, N.J.

Encyclopedia Britannica

21 specimens have been tested.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Specimens have been tested on a rotating fatigue bending machine.

Materials & Design

All specimens have been subjected to an uniaxial cyclic load.

International Journal of Fatigue

Experimental tests of 8 specimens have been conducted.

Thin-Walled Structures

Thousands of specimens have been studied in detail.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specimens have been" to introduce a discussion of actions or processes performed on the specimens, such as testing, analysis, or preservation.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses mid-sentence when using "specimens have been". For example, don't follow it with a clause in the simple past without a clear reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specimens have been" typically functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that the specimens are the recipients of an action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. For example, "The specimens have been carefully preserved."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

17%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specimens have been" is grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is primarily found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal and often technical usage. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines 'specimen' and maintain consistent tense. Alternative phrases like "samples were" or "items were" can be used depending on the specific meaning. The phrase serves to inform about the state or treatment of specimens, making it a valuable tool in reporting scientific and research findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the specimens were

Reorders the phrase slightly, emphasizing "the specimens".

these specimens were

Adds "these" to specify particular specimens.

samples were

Replaces "specimens" with "samples" and uses the past tense of "to be".

examples were

Substitutes "specimens" with "examples", focusing on illustrative cases.

the samples were

Adds a definite article to "samples", indicating specific samples.

items were

Replaces "specimens" with "items", providing a more general term.

objects were

Substitutes "specimens" with "objects", suitable when referring to physical artifacts.

the items were

Adds a definite article to "items", indicating specific items.

materials were

Replaces "specimens" with "materials", referring to the substances examined.

instances were

Substitutes "specimens" with "instances", suitable for abstract or non-physical examples.

FAQs

How can I use "specimens have been" in a sentence?

Use "specimens have been" to introduce information about the state or treatment of collected specimens. For instance, "The "specimens have been" carefully preserved for further analysis".

What are some alternatives to "specimens have been"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "samples were", "examples were", or "items were" as alternatives to "specimens have been".

Is there a difference between "specimens have been" and "specimens were"?

"Specimens have been" implies a present relevance or ongoing state resulting from a past action, whereas "specimens were" simply describes a past state or action without necessarily implying present relevance.

When should I use "the specimens have been" instead of "specimens have been"?

Use "the specimens have been" when referring to a specific, previously identified set of specimens. Using "the" indicates that both the speaker and the audience know which specimens are being discussed.