Been vs. Being: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 19, 2023
"Been" is the past participle of "be," used to form perfect aspect; "Being" is its present participle, forming continuous aspect.
Key Differences
"Been," as the past participle of the verb "be," denotes a state of existence or occurrence in the past, contributing to perfect tenses that indicate completed actions. "Being," the present participle, suggests a state of existence or occurrence in the present, forming continuous tenses representing ongoing actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
"Been" is instrumental in composing the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses, signifying actions completed at some point in the past or by a certain future moment. "Being" forms present continuous, past continuous, and future continuous tenses, indicating actions happening now, in the past around a moment, or in the future.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
"Been" in passive voice constructions depicts actions done to the subject by something else, an event completed. Contrarily, "Being" in passive forms shows something is currently happening to the subject, an ongoing event or condition.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
"Been" requires an auxiliary verb (has, have, had) to form perfect tenses, showing a link between past actions and the present or future. "Being" requires a form of "be" as an auxiliary verb to create continuous tenses, highlighting the progression of an action.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
"Been" is not used to describe a state or action on its own but combines with other verbs to provide a temporal context. "Being," however, can also imply the nature or essence of a person or thing, beyond its grammatical role in verb tenses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Tense Association
Perfect tenses (present, past, future)
Continuous tenses (present, past, future)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
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Been and Being Definitions
Been
"Been" is used in passive voice constructions.
The work has been completed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Been
"Been" forms the perfect aspect with "have" or "had."
She had been waiting for hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Being
"Being" can denote the essence of something.
Happiness is about being content.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Been
"Been" indicates a completed state or action.
I have been to Spain twice.
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Oct 21, 2023
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Been
"Been" links past actions to the present.
They have been friends since childhood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Being
"Being" forms the continuous aspect with "be."
She is being interviewed right now.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Being
The state or quality of having existence
Technical advances that have only recently come into being.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
The totality of all things that exist
Theologians who hold that the mind of God is the source of all being.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
An individual form of life; an organism
"We [humans] are the only beings who are aware that we shall die" (Seyyed Hossein Nasr).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
An imaginary, conjectural, or supernatural creature
Extraterrestrial beings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
All the qualities constituting one that exists; the essence
The very being of human nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Been
The past participle of Be. In old authors it is also the pr. tense plural of Be. See 1st Bee.
Assembled been a senate grave and stout.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
One's basic or essential nature
"[My grandfather's] face, words and gestures are a permanent part of my being" (Duane Nitatum).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
The state or fact of existence, consciousness, or life, or something in such a state.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
(philosophy) One's basic nature, or the qualities thereof; essence or personality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
Existing.
A man who is being strangled.
While the article on Burns was being written.
Fresh experience is always being gained.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
Existence, as opposed to nonexistence; state or sphere of existence.
In Him we live, and move, and have our being.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
That which exists in any form, whether it be material or spiritual, actual or ideal; living existence, as distinguished from a thing without life; as, a human being; spiritual beings.
What a sweet being is an honest mind !
A Being of infinite benevolence and power.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
Lifetime; mortal existence.
Claudius, thouWast follower of his fortunes in his being.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
An abode; a cottage.
It was a relief to dismiss them [Sir Roger's servants] into little beings within my manor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
Since; inasmuch as.
And being you haveDeclined his means, you have increased his malice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
The state or fact of existing;
A point of view gradually coming into being
Laws in existence for centuries
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Being
A living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Does "being" indicate ongoing action?
Yes, it's the present participle of "be."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
