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verb

been

verb
1
The past participle of "be," used to form perfect and passive verb tenses.
"I have been to Paris twice."
"The report has been finished since Friday."

How to Use Been

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe form of "be" you use after "have/has/had" to talk about experiences or completed states.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "gone" — "I have been to Rome" means you visited and came back; "I have gone to Rome" implies you're still there.

Easily confused with
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Can you complete this real example?

I have _____ to Paris twice.

Etymology

From Old English beon, the infinitive form of "be," which later shifted to serve as its past participle.

Rhymes for been

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial