they are being used vs they have been using

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They are being used' is used to describe the current state of something being used at the moment. 'They have been using' is used to indicate a past action that started in the past and has continued up to the present.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 2344 views

they are being used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the current state of something being used at the moment.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is currently in use or being utilized by someone or something.

Alternatives:

they are in use
they are currently being used

they have been using

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a past action that started in the past and has continued up to the present.

This phrase is used to describe an action that began in the past and is still ongoing or has just recently stopped.

Show examples from the web [+]

It would be easier for it to be delivered if people abandoned some of the rhetorical tricks they have been using this morning.
They have been using a Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator to smash particles together at the speed of light in a bid to unlock the secrets of the Universe.
I believe that consumers also have the right to know whether or not they have been produced using genetic engineering.
They have been calculated using the methodology set out in points 2.1.1 and 2.3.1 of the Annex to Decision 2009/460/EC.
They could have been produced using any manner of means.
I am thinking of the 34 data items that have to be transferred to the United States, when we know perfectly well that most of these items are useless: the US authorities themselves say that they have only been using seven or eight of them.
We must get the WTO to agree to allow us to keep certain products off the European market if they have been manufactured using processes that cause additional climate change.
It is clear from Article 45 of Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 that wine products may be offered for direct human consumption in the Community only if they have been produced using oenological practices permitted in the Community.
When dead vertebrates are used, they should have been humanely killed using a method that avoids the risk of toxicity to the reptiles.
In the meantime it would be desirable if carpet importers were to develop a voluntary quality mark for labelling those carpets for which the suppliers can already provide guarantees that they have been produced without using azocolourants.
I've been using formal language with him but he's been using informal this whole time.
Major Kira's been using it.
I think he's been using my toothbrush.
We've been using it as our command center.
He's been using his laptop since yesterday.
You've been using the powers yggdrasil gives you to heal mortals.
The difference is you've been using my towels.
I hope you've been using the time wisely.
You've been using your armor only by reflex.
Looks like Henry's been using diamonds to launder and move money around.

Alternatives:

they have used
they have been utilizing

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they are being used vs they have been using