past participle
Used after have, has, or had to say that someone or something had a particular identity, name, job, or relationship.
She has been a doctor for ten years.
He had been my best friend.
American English
How to pronounce been
verb · auxiliaryA1Very common word
BIHN
/bɪn/
One syllable.
Form of be
Been is normally used after have, has, or had.
Used after have, has, or had to say that someone or something had a particular identity, name, job, or relationship.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past participle
Used after have, has, or had to say that someone or something had a particular quality, feeling, or condition.
I have been very tired today.
The water has been cold all morning.
past participle
Used after have, has, or had to say that someone or something was in a particular place or position.
I have been to Italy before.
Have you been to the new restaurant?
past participle
Used in there has been or there have been to say that something existed or was present.
There has been a problem with the printer.
There have been several changes this year.
Useful expressions
to plan or expect to do something in the future
I'm going to call her tonight.
to have the ability or opportunity to do something
She is able to work from home.
to be ready to do something very soon
The train is about to leave.
Related words & forms
beinggerundbeenpast participlewerepast with you, we, or theywaspast with I, he, she, or itampresent with Iarepresent with you, we, or theyispresent with he, she, or it
Be has irregular forms. Say “I am,” “he is,” and “you are”; in the past, use “was” with I/he/she/it and “were” with you/we/they.