# been

/ˈbɪn/ (US) · /bˈiːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/been
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. past participle of 'be'

verb · CEFR A1

the form of 'be' used after 'have' or 'has' to talk about past actions or states.

For teachers: the past participle of 'be', functioning as the head of a verb phrase in perfect aspect constructions.

- I have been to that restaurant many times and the food is always great.
- The researchers have been in constant communication since the initial findings were published last autumn.

Usage: Used with 'have' or 'has' to form the present perfect tense.

### 2. visited and returned

verb · CEFR A2

used to say that you visited a place and have now come back.

For teachers: used in the present perfect to indicate a completed visit to a location.

- Have you ever been to Italy during the summer holidays?
- Having been to the site on several occasions, the architect was well-acquainted with the topographical challenges of the project.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'to'.

## Examples

- I have been to London twice.
- The manager has been in meetings all morning and is currently unavailable to take your call.
- Having been a dedicated member of the faculty for over thirty years, the professor was naturally the first choice for the honorary position of Dean Emeritus.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.