What is difference between been and being
by Yogi P - October 26, 2023
Confused about the Difference Between “Been” and “Being”?
Many English words overlap with each other, often making them difficult to distinguish. “Been” and “Being” are two such words that are commonly mixed up by English learners. Although they both have similar meanings, using either word incorrectly can alter the meaning of a sentence.
This article takes an in-depth look at the definitions and usage of each word and explains when to use them correctly.
Been
Been is a verb in the past participle form that is used for several purposes, including perfect tenses, passive voices, and linking verbs.
Usage of Been
Been is used as a conjunction, adverb, or part of a linking verb.
- It is used as a conjunction when it is combined with the infinitive form of a verb like “have”, “should” or “ought to”.
- It is used as an adverb when used to modify a verb phrase and serve as an intensifier.
- It is used as part of a linking verb when joined with a form of “be” verb.
Being
Being is also a verb, but it is used in the present participle form. It is mainly used to denote the state or condition of someone or something.
Usage of Being
- Being is used as a noun and as a part of the linking verb.
- It is used as a noun when used to refer to a particular state, feeling, experience etc.
- It is used as part of a linking verb when joined with forms of “be” verbs.
Table Summarising the Difference Between Been and Being
| Word | Been | Being |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Past Participle form of the verb “be” | Present Participle form of the verb “be” |
| Usage | Conjunction, Adverb and part of a linking verb. | Noun and part of a linking verb. |
| Examples | I have been to London. | Being sad is not a solution. |
Difference between Been and Being – Meaning and Usage:
Been and Being are two verbs used in English language that can often be confused. The main difference between been and being is that Been is in the past participle form while Being is in the present-participle form, hence denoting past and present respectively.
Been is mainly used as a conjunction, adverb or part of a linking verb, whereas Being is used as a noun and also as a part of a linking verb.
Examples of Difference between Been and Being:
- I have been to London. (Been)
- He should have been more careful. (Been)
- I am being careful. (Being)
- Being sad is not a solution. (Being)
Overview of differences between been and being
| Aspect | Been | Being |
|---|---|---|
| Verb Form | “Been” is the past participle of the verb “be.” | “Being” is the present participle of the verb “be.” |
| Tense | “Been” is used in the past perfect and passive voice tenses. | “Being” is used in the present continuous and past continuous tenses. |
| Use | “Been” is typically used to indicate actions or states that have occurred or existed in the past or as a passive verb form. | “Being” is used to indicate ongoing actions or states in the present or past, often in the progressive or continuous aspect. |
| Examples | – I had been there before. (past perfect) – The book has been read. (passive voice) | – She is being helpful. (present continuous) – They were being very noisy last night. (past continuous) |
| Passive Voice | “Been” is commonly used in passive voice constructions. | “Being” is not typically used in passive voice constructions. |
| Emphasis | “Been” places emphasis on actions or states that have been completed or existed in the past. | “Being” places emphasis on actions or states that are currently happening or were ongoing in the past. |
Activity to Enhance Understanding:
To help understand the difference between “been” and “being”, readers should practise analyzing texts they come across to identify when each word is used, and to identify how their usage alters the meaning of the sentence.
Conclusion:
“Been” and “Being” are words that are easy to mix-up, but with an understanding of their meanings and nuances, they can become easier to use correctly. In summary, “Been” is a past participle verb mainly used in perfect tenses and passive voices, while “Being” is a present participle verb used mainly as a noun or in the linking verb.
Be sure to look out for these words next time you’re writing in English, and remember to use them correctly.
