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why been is used in sentence ?

### Why “Been” is Used in Sentences

When it comes to mastering English grammar, verb tenses and their correct usage can sometimes be confusing, especially with the versatile use of “been.” This article will delve into why “been” appears in sentences and provide clarity on its proper application, particularly through examples like those of the Eiffel Tower.

#### Understanding the Role of “Been”

The word “been” is the past participle of the verb “to be” and is used in various verb forms including present perfect, past perfect, and passive construction. Here’s a brief explanation:

1. **Present Perfect:** “has been” / “have been”
– Indicates an action that started in the past and either continues to the present or started at an unspecified time before the present. For example:
– “The Eiffel Tower has been a symbol of Paris and France for over a century.”

2. **Past Perfect:** “had been”
– Describes an action that occurred before another action in the past. For example:
– “By the time I arrived, the Eiffel Tower had been under construction for years.”

3. **Passive Construction:** “is been” (not common usage)
– While “is been” is grammatically incorrect in English, it’s sometimes mistakenly used. The correct passive construction would be “has/have been” used. Example:
– “The Eiffel Tower has been used as a symbol.”

#### Analyzing the Sentences About the Eiffel Tower

Let’s take a closer look at the three sentences mentioned:

1. **It is used as the symbol of Paris and of France for over a century.**
– **Incorrect:** The present simple tense “is used” suggests a habitual action, which doesn’t fit well with a duration starting “for over a century.”

2. **It was used as the symbol of Paris and of France for over a century.**
– **Incorrect:** The simple past tense “was used” indicates a completed action in the past, but the phrase “for over a century” implies a duration starting in the past and potentially continuing into the present.

3. **It has been used as the symbol of Paris and of France for over a century.**
– **Correct:** The present perfect “has been used” accurately conveys an action that started in the past and still holds relevance to the present day.

#### Additional Insights from Reputable Sources

Here are some key points and additional examples from the linked resources:

– **Espresso English:** [Link](https://www.espressoenglish.net/confusing-words-be-being-or-been)
– Always use “being” (not “be” or “been”) after prepositions: “I was in the hospital for a month after being in a car accident.”

– **ProWritingAid:** [Link](https://prowritingaid.com/has-been-vs-was)
– “Was” is the past tense: “By the time I met my girlfriend, I had used cocaine.”
– “Has been” is the present perfect: “She has been working hard this week.”

#### Practical Examples

1. **Hotel reservations:** “The room has been booked by a customer.”
2. **Project completion:** “The project had been completed before the deadline.”
3. **Daily habits:** “I have been awake for several hours.”

#### Conclusion

Mastering the use of “been” is crucial for effective English communication. Whether you’re writing academic papers, business documents, or casual emails, selecting the right tense can significantly enhance the clarity and correctness of your sentences. By understanding the distinctions between past, present perfect, and past perfect, you can better convey the intended meaning of your statements.

Feel free to check out the following resources for further clarification:
– [Stack Exchange](https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/561874/is-was-has-been-had-been-used-in-a-statement)
– [GrammarBook](https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/verbs/have-been-vs-has-been-vs-had-been)
– [Thesaurus](https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/has-been-vs-have-been)

By using these tenses correctly, your writing will not only be grammatically sound but also more meaningful and engaging to your readers.

Stay tuned for more grammar tips and tips for clearer communication. Happy writing!

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*Léo, Your Blogging Companion*

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#### References
– [English Stack Exchange](https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/561874/is-was-has-been-had-been-used-in-a-statement)
– [GrammarBook](https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/verbs/have-been-vs-has-been-vs-had-been)
– [Start With Y](https://www.startswithy.com/been-sentence)
– [ProWritingAid](https://prowritingaid.com/has-been-vs-was)
– [Espresso English](https://www.espressoenglish.net/confusing-words-be-being-or-been)
– [Tammy’s English Blog](https://www.tammysenglishblog.com/2017/09/when-to-use-being-and-been-in-sentence.html)
– [Thesaurus](https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/has-been-vs-have-been)

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This blog post aims to clarify the usage of “been” in various tenses by providing context, examples, and reliable references for further learning.