this has been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this has been" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has occurred or been experienced in the past, often as a summary or conclusion. Example: "This has been a challenging year for all of us, but we have learned and grown together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has been clarified.

The Economist

This has been slow.

The Economist

This has been noticed".

The New York Times

This has been updated.

The Guardian - Film

This has been downplayed.

The Economist

This has been corrected.

The New York Times

This has been changed.

The Guardian - Sport

This has been borne out.

The New Yorker

This has been very effective.

Independent

This has been changed online.

The Economist

This has been highly illuminating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this has been" to summarize an event, process, or period of time. It provides a concise way to reflect on past occurrences and their overall impact.

Common error

While "this has been" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider using more descriptive phrasing to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this has been" functions as a present perfect construction, typically used to summarize or reflect upon a past experience or situation that has relevance to the present. As supported by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct way to connect past events to the current moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this has been" is a common and grammatically sound way to summarize a past experience or event that has relevance to the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and can be used in various contexts, though perhaps less so in highly formal writing where more specific language might be warranted. Its prevalence in news and media indicates its broad acceptability and usefulness in conveying retrospective assessments or conclusions. When writing, consider the context and whether a more descriptive phrasing might enhance clarity. Overall, it's a reliable and effective tool for reflecting on the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been

Changes the subject of the sentence from "this" to "it", slightly altering the focus while maintaining a similar meaning.

it has proven to be

Emphasizes the confirmation or validation of a certain quality or characteristic.

this situation proved

Emphasizes the unfolding and eventual demonstration of a particular quality or characteristic of a situation.

that was

Shifts the tense to the past, indicating a completed event or period.

it was found to be

Similar to 'it turned out to be', but with a more formal or scientific tone, often used in research contexts.

it turned out to be

Adds an element of discovery or unexpectedness to the statement.

it became

Focuses on the process of becoming something, rather than a static state.

the experience was

Focuses specifically on an experience, emphasizing personal involvement or effect.

this period was

Highlights a specific time frame or duration.

the outcome was

Emphasizes the result or consequence of a situation or action.

FAQs

How can I use "this has been" in a sentence?

Use "this has been" to summarize an experience or period, such as "This has been a challenging project" or "This has been an insightful discussion".

What phrases are similar to "this has been"?

Alternatives include "it has been", "it turned out to be", or "it has proven to be", depending on the context and intended meaning.

Is there a difference between "this has been" and "that was"?

"This has been" implies a connection to the present, while "that was" refers to something entirely in the past and disconnected from the current situation.

When is it best to use "this has been"?

Use "this has been" when you want to reflect on a continuous period or experience that has led to the current state or understanding. It's suitable for summarizing events, projects, or discussions.