that has been used

USAGE SUMMARY

"that has been used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a thing that has already been employed for a purpose. For example, "The old lamp that has been used in this room for many years is finally ready to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The word that has been used is "staged".

The Guardian - Music

This is a playbook that has been used for years.

The Guardian

Since 1998, this is the definition that has been used.

The New York Times

One method that has been used is cost-benefit analysis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It displays the stereotypical morphology that has been used to unite the sphenopsids into a clade.

University of California, Berkeley

Thimerosal is a preservative that has been used to prevent contamination in vaccines.

Harvard University

Now, yet another method that has been used is brain inactivation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ketamine is a well-known medicine that has been used clinically and recreationally since the 1960s.

Harvard University

("Loquacious" is an adjective that has been used in reference to his characters).

The New York Times

Let met me start with inflammatory language that has been used.

The Guardian

"And it probably follows a playbook that has been used before, like in Davao".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "that has been used", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the using and what is being used. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Over-reliance on passive constructions like "that has been used" can make writing seem indirect and less engaging. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement; instead of 'a method that has been used', try 'researchers have used this method'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that has been used" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-defining relative clause, which modifies a noun by providing additional information about it. Ludwig provides many examples in various fields that prove this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that has been used" is a grammatically sound and very common relative clause used to describe something with a history of utilization. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid overusing passive voice constructions for more direct and engaging communication. Consider rephrasing to sound more formal by using "that has been employed" or "which has been implemented". You can also use "that's been put to use" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that has been employed

A more formal alternative, suitable for technical or official contexts.

which has been implemented

Focuses on the act of implementation, suggesting a formal adoption or application.

that was previously applied

Highlights the past application of something, emphasizing the chronological aspect.

which has been leveraged

Implies using something to its maximum advantage.

that has seen application

Emphasizes the experience or history of use, rather than the act itself.

that has been adopted

Implies a deliberate choice or acceptance of something for use.

that's been put to use

Emphasizes the practical aspect of something being used, more informal tone.

which has been harnessed

Suggests the controlled use of a resource or force for a specific purpose.

that has found utility

Focuses on the discovery or realization of something's usefulness.

which was in operation

Highlights the operational status of a tool, method or similar.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "that has been employed" or "which has been implemented".

What are some alternatives to "that has been used" in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, you might use alternatives such as "which has been harnessed" or "that has seen application" to add nuance.

Is "that has been used" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "that has been used" might sound slightly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "that's been put to use" can be more suitable.

How does the meaning change when I use "that was used" instead of "that has been used"?

"That was used" refers to a specific instance in the past, whereas "that has been used" implies a longer period of usage or a method that remains relevant or available.