When selecting the correct verb tenses in English, it can feel as tricky as walking on glass. Even a tiny shift in wording can completely flip the meaning of a sentence. Early in my career as a writer, I often paused over phrases like is used, has been used, and was used. At first, they look similar, but they live in separate time zones: one in the present, one in the past, and one between. This small difference can change how your writing is understood.
I’ve seen clients question a document’s credibility because of unclear tense. Over time, I’ve learned to value clarity, confidence, and strong communication, which comes from a true understanding of how and when to use the right tense.
In practice, these phrases work alike but differently. Is used means something still happens now, while has been used suggests it started earlier and retains importance. Was used signals that it’s firmly in the past. I wondered for a long time how to pick the right one, so I once broke down a tense chart for my team of interns.
I told them to imagine a grammar ninja slicing away confusion one phrase at a time. This worked because it helped find the right place for each tense, and I realized grammar no longer holds you back—it pushes your message forward.
The Role of Verb Tenses in English
Verb tenses are the backbone of English grammar. They tell your reader when an action happens, whether it’s ongoing, completed, or relevant to the present. Choosing the wrong tense can make even a perfectly structured sentence misleading.
For instance, consider these sentences:
- “The laboratory is used for experiments.”
- “The laboratory was used for experiments.”
- “The laboratory has been used for experiments.”
Each sentence communicates the same basic action—using the laboratory—but the timing and context differ. That’s why understanding verb tenses is crucial.
Here’s a quick overview of the tenses we’ll focus on:
| Tense | Structure | Example |
| Present Simple | is/are + past participle | The microscope is used by students every day. |
| Past Simple | was/were + past participle | The microscope was used in yesterday’s class. |
| Present Perfect | has/have + been + past participle | The microscope has been used in multiple experiments this semester. |
Understanding ‘Was Used’
The phrase ‘was used’ belongs to the past simple tense. It describes actions or events that were completed in the past, usually with a specific timeframe in mind.
Contexts for using ‘was used’:
- Completed past actions
- Events that happened at a definite time
- Actions no longer happening
Examples in real-life contexts:
- “The projector was used during the meeting yesterday.”
- “This technique was used by the research team last year.”
- “The old grading system was used before the new online platform was introduced.”
Common Mistakes with ‘Was Used’
Many learners misuse ‘was used’ when they mean ongoing or repeated actions. For instance, saying:
- “The microscope was used by students every day”
is incorrect if the action continues into the present. The correct choice here would be ‘is used’ or ‘has been used.’
Understanding ‘Has Been Used’
‘Has been used’ is the present perfect form. It indicates an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. This form is especially common in professional and academic writing when discussing repeated actions or results that matter now.
Contexts for using ‘has been used’:
- Past actions with current relevance
- Ongoing applications
- Repeated actions over time
Practical examples:
- “This software has been used by thousands of students across the USA.”
- “The case study has been used to demonstrate real-world applications of the theory.”
- “Renewable energy has been used increasingly in urban planning over the last decade.”
Difference from ‘Was Used’
While ‘was used’ focuses on a completed action in the past, ‘has been used’ highlights that the action still has an impact or continues to matter.
Example comparison:
- Past simple: “The library was used during the summer of 2022.”
- Present perfect: “The library has been used extensively by students this semester.”
Understanding ‘Is Used’
The phrase ‘is used’ belongs to the present simple tense and describes actions that happen regularly, as general truths, or as habitual processes.
Contexts for using ‘is used’:
- General truths or facts
- Repeated or habitual actions
- Instructions or manuals
Examples:
- “The internet is used by millions daily for research and communication.”
- “This formula is used to calculate interest in financial studies.”
- “Water is used for cleaning, cooking, and industrial purposes.”
Key Difference from Past and Present Perfect Forms
- ‘Is used’: ongoing, general, or habitual action.
- ‘Was used’: past action, completed.
- ‘Has been used’: past action relevant to now.
Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusing readers or sounding unprofessional.
Comparing All Three Forms
To make things crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison of ‘is used,’ ‘has been used,’ and ‘was used’ with time reference, usage context, and examples:
| Form | Time Reference | Usage Context | Example |
| Is Used | Present | Habitual or general actions | This software is used by teachers across the country. |
| Has Been Used | Past → Present | Actions started in the past but relevant now | This software has been used in dozens of online courses this semester. |
| Was Used | Past | Completed actions at a specific time | This software was used in yesterday’s training session. |
Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Form
- Ask yourself: “Is the action still relevant?” → Use has been used.
- Ask: “Is this a habitual or general fact?” → Use is used.
- Ask: “Is this a completed action in the past?” → Use was used.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Even experienced writers make mistakes when using these verb forms. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:
- Mixing tenses in one sentence: “The microscope was used by students every day this semester” (incorrect). Correct: “The microscope has been used by students every day this semester.”
- Using ‘was used’ for ongoing actions: Avoid implying completion when the action is still relevant.
- Confusing present perfect with past simple: “The software was used extensively this week” vs. “The software has been used extensively this week.” The first implies it’s over, the second implies it’s still in use.
Tips to avoid mistakes:
- Look for time expressions like “yesterday,” “recently,” “every day,” or “over the past year.”
- Decide whether the action still matters now.
- Read sentences aloud to check if they sound natural.
Practical Tips for Students, Teachers, and Professionals
Mastering these forms isn’t just about memorizing rules—it’s about applying them in real-world situations.
Step-by-step guide:
- Identify the time frame: past, present, or past with relevance.
- Decide on the context: habitual, general truth, completed action.
- Check your audience: academic, professional, or casual.
- Select the correct form: is used, was used, has been used.
- Read aloud: ensure the sentence sounds natural.
Practice exercises:
| Sentence | Correct Form |
| The microscope ___ by students yesterday. | was used |
| This app ___ in online classrooms for years. | has been used |
| Water ___ for cooking in every household. | is used |
Recommended resources for further learning:
- Grammarly Blog on Verb Tenses
- Cambridge Dictionary – English Grammar
- Purdue OWL – Verb Tense
The Importance of Correct Verb Tense
Correct tense usage has a direct impact on clarity, professionalism, and credibility.
Benefits in professional writing:
- Emails, reports, and proposals read clearly and appear polished.
- Avoids miscommunication in instructions, procedures, or deadlines.
- Enhances your authority and confidence as a communicator.
Benefits in academic writing:
- Research papers, essays, and assignments maintain accuracy.
- Shows mastery of English grammar and attention to detail.
- Helps students and educators avoid unnecessary confusion.
Real-world example:
- Incorrect: “The data was used for analysis this week, and the conclusions are still relevant.”
- Correct: “The data has been used for analysis this week, and the conclusions are still relevant.”
See how the second version immediately clarifies that the analysis continues to have significance?
Conclusion
Mastering is used, has been used, and was used comes down to understanding verb tenses in English and noticing the subtle shifts in meaning. Even a tiny change in wording can flip a sentence, impacting clarity, confidence, and the credibility of your writing.
By valuing strong communication and true understanding, you can use the right tense to push your message forward and avoid confusion. Thinking of grammar as a ninja that slices away unclear phrases makes it easier to pick the right time zone—present, past, or between.
FAQs
Q1: When should I use “is used”?
A1: Use is used for something that still happens now or is a current practice.
Q2: What about “has been used”?
A2: Has been used suggests that the action started earlier and continues to hold importance or relevance.
Q3: How do I know when to use “was used”?
A3: Was used signals that the action is firmly in the past and no longer ongoing.
Q4: Can these tenses appear in the same document?
A4: Yes, but each must match the time zone you are describing, to maintain clarity and credibility.
Q5: Any tips for remembering the difference?
A5: Think of tense charts, phrases, and a grammar ninja slicing away confusion. Visualizing each tense in its place helps interns and writers use them correctly.
