"have been changed" vs "have changed"

Question

"have been changed" vs "have changed"

Both "have been changed" and "have changed" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Have been changed" is passive voice, indicating that something has been changed by someone or something else. On the other hand, "have changed" is active voice, indicating that the subject itself has made the change.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used in passive voice to indicate that something has been altered by someone or something else. It is often used when the focus is on the action of changing rather than the doer of the action.

Examples:

The settings have been changed by the administrator.
The rules have been changed to accommodate the new members.
The plans have been changed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Alternatives:

have been altered
have been modified
have been transformed
have been adjusted
have been revised

This phrase is used in active voice to indicate that the subject itself has made a change. It is often used when the focus is on the doer of the action rather than the action itself.

Examples:

I have changed my mind about the project.
She has changed her hairstyle for the party.
The company has changed its policies regarding remote work.

Alternatives:

have made changes
have altered
have modified
have transformed
have adjusted

Answer 1

have been changed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to something that has been altered by an external force or agent.

Answer 2

have changed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to a subject that has actively made a change.

"have been changed" vs "have changed"

have been changed

have changed

Related Comparisons