There Have Been or Has Been? Master It Once and for All!

English grammar can feel like a maze, and knowing when to use There Have Been or Has Been might seem like a small detail, but that difference is actually crucial for keeping writing clear and grammatically correct across real-world use today.

I’ve reviewed countless emails, blog posts, and business reports, and I’ve seen firsthand how these phrases shape the overall effectiveness of communication. The key is understanding the form because singular references and plural people often overlook what feels subtle but follows strict rules that improve precision.

Even now, while working on research papers or training others, I still refer to usage trends and updated resources as modern English evolves, consistently applying the right form that enhances clarity, helps elevate the message, and builds credibility.

My favorite comparisons like several updates versus one change show how both communicate different ideas and help you learn effectively with authority and natural flow.

Table of Contents

Understanding ‘Has Been’ and ‘Have Been’

At its core, “has been” and “have been” belong to the present perfect tense, which describes actions that started in the past but have relevance in the present.

Has been → used with third person singular: he, she, it.
Have been → used with first and second person singular/plural and plural third person: I, you, we, they.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Subject	Verb Form	Example
He/She/It	has been	He has been studying for three hours.
I/You/We/They	have been	They have been waiting since morning.

Notice how the tense connects past actions to the present. That link is what makes present perfect tricky for many learners.

Why the Present Perfect Tense Matters

The present perfect tense bridges the past and present. It emphasizes continuity or result rather than just timing.

For example:

“I have been sick.” → Focuses on the ongoing effect of being sick.
“I was sick.” → Only tells the past fact without connecting it to the present.

Proper use improves clarity, makes your writing more professional, and avoids confusion in spoken English.

Tip: Native speakers often rely on context. For learners, thinking about connection to now helps determine the correct verb form.

Rules for Using ‘Has Been’

“Has been” is used exclusively with third person singular subjects: he, she, it. It often shows ongoing activity, recent events, or changes over time.

Examples:

“She has been reading the same book all week.” → Ongoing activity.
“It has been raining nonstop.” → Recent event affecting the present.

Common mistakes:

“He have been late.”
“He has been late.”

Quick tip: If your subject is a singular person or thing, always use has been.

Rules for Using ‘Have Been’

“Have been” pairs with I, you, we, they and plural third person subjects. It functions similarly to “has been” but fits a different subject group.

Examples:

“I have been feeling tired lately.” → Personal experience affecting the present.
“We have been working on this project for months.” → Ongoing action.
“They have been very supportive.” → Recent action with current relevance.

Pro tip: When you’re unsure, check if the subject is singular or plural. First and second person subjects always take have been.

Using ‘Had Been’ in Past Perfect Tense

While has been and have been focus on present relevance, had been belongs to the past perfect tense. It describes an action that occurred before another past action.

Examples:

“She had been working at the company for five years before it closed.” → Shows the sequence of events.
“They had been waiting for an hour when the bus finally arrived.” → Emphasizes prior duration.

Here’s a mini comparison:

Tense	Verb Form	Example
Present Perfect	has/have been	She has been working all day.
Past Perfect	had been	She had been working before the meeting started.

Understanding the difference prevents confusion between ongoing present actions and past sequences.

Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement

Sometimes, the subject isn’t straightforward. Compound subjects and prepositional phrases can confuse verb choice.

Compound subjects:

“Jack and Jill have been practicing for the competition.” → Plural, so have been.
“Jack, along with Jill, has been practicing.” → Singular main subject “Jack,” so has been.

Prepositional phrases: Always identify the real subject, not the word closest to the verb.

Example:

“The bouquet of roses has been on the table for hours.” → “Bouquet” is singular, so has been.

Tip: The nearest noun in a prepositional phrase might trick you. Always locate the main subject.

Expanding Verb Phrases with Adverbs

Adding adverbs can subtly change meaning or emphasis. Placement matters.

Examples:

“She has always been kind.” → Focuses on consistent behavior.
“They have been recently promoted.” → Highlights the timing of the promotion.
“He had been quietly waiting.” → Emphasizes the manner of the past action.

Pro tip: Adverbs usually go between auxiliary verb and main verb: has/have/had + adverb + been + verb/complement.

Practical Usage in Sentences

Let’s see real-world examples to understand the distinctions:

Business context:

“The team has been improving its workflow steadily.” → Singular team, ongoing improvement.
“Employees have been trained in the new system.” → Plural employees, recent action with current relevance.

Casual conversation:

“I have been feeling a bit under the weather.”
“She has been studying French for two years.”

Storytelling:

“They had been traveling across Europe before the pandemic hit.” → Past perfect for a past sequence.

These examples highlight how context and subject affect verb choice.

Quick Reference Guide

For instant recall, here’s a cheat sheet:

Subject	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
He/She/It	has been	had been
I/You/We/They	have been	had been
Compound plural	have been	had been
Prepositional phrase	Depends on main subject	had been

Tip: When in doubt, identify your subject first, then apply the correct verb form.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between there has been and there have been may look minor, but it plays a big role in clear and correct English. Once you focus on subject-verb agreement, the confusion fades. With regular practice, real examples, and attention to context, these forms start to feel natural. Over time, you’ll notice stronger writing, smoother speech, and more confidence in everyday communication.