In English, selecting the correct verb tenses is often tricky – it’s like walking on glass. Even a tiny shift in wording can totally 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.” They look similar, but they each live in a separate time zone: one in the present, one in the past, and one somewhere between. That’s not just a small difference – it can change how your writing is understood. I’ve seen clients question a document’s credibility just because of unclear tense. Now, I value the clarity, confidence, and strong communication that comes from true understanding of how and when to use the right tense.
Even though these phrases might seem alike, they work very differently. “Is used” means something still happens now. “Has been used” suggests it started earlier and still has importance. “Was used” signals that it’s firmly in the past. If you’ve ever wondered when to pick which, I’ve been there too. I once had to break down a tense chart for a team of interns, and I told them to imagine a grammar ninja, slicing away confusion one phrase at a time. It worked. Because once you find the right place for each tense, your grammar no longer holds you back – it pushes your message forward.
Why Verb Tense Choices Matter More Than You Think
English has twelve major tenses. Each serves a purpose, and most errors come from mixing the timeline of your message. Use the wrong tense, and readers may question:
- When did something happen?
- Is it still happening?
- Should it still matter?
Choosing the correct tense, especially in passive voice structures, ensures that your message is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” – Mark Twain
Let’s illuminate the difference between these three verb forms.
Understanding Verb Tense and Passive Voice
Before we dive deep into each phrase, you need to grasp two essentials: tense and voice.
What Is Tense?
Tense tells us when something happens:
- Present: happening now
- Past: already happened
- Perfect: links past with present or another point
What Is Passive Voice?
Passive voice flips the usual structure. Instead of “The dog bit the man,” passive is “The man was bitten by the dog.”
Our three phrases are all passive:
- “Is used” (Present Passive)
- “Was used” (Past Passive)
- “Has been used” (Present Perfect Passive)
“Is Used” – The Power of the Present Passive
What It Means
The phrase “is used” implies that something is currently employed or generally applied.
- It shows habitual use, common practice, or present action.
- It’s structured as: [subject] + is + past participle.
Examples
| Context | Example |
| Instructional | “This button is used to restart the machine.” |
| Scientific | “Salt is used to preserve food.” |
| Technical | “HTML is used in website design.” |
Best Used When:
- Describing how things work now
- Explaining general truths
- Writing manuals, guides, or instructions
Quick Tip: If the usage still applies today, “is used” is your best friend.
“Was Used” – Past Tense, No Strings Attached
What It Means
“Was used” refers to something that happened in the past – a completed action, no longer occurring.
- It uses the Simple Past Passive structure: [subject] + was + past participle
Examples
| Context | Example |
| History | “The guillotine was used during the French Revolution.” |
| Technology | “Flash was used on websites before HTML5 took over.” |
| Education | “This textbook was used in the last semester.” |
Best Used When:
- The action or usage no longer applies
- You’re describing historical events
- You’re referring to a specific, finished time
“Has Been Used” – The Elegant Bridge Between Past and Present
What It Means
“Has been used” straddles past and present. It suggests the action started in the past and is still relevant or has just recently occurred.
- Structure: [subject] + has been + past participle
- It’s the Present Perfect Passive
Examples
| Context | Example |
| Recent Usage | “This password has been used recently.” |
| Relevance Today | “The study has been used in modern medicine debates.” |
| Ongoing Action | “That method has been used for decades.” |
Best Used When:
- You want to connect past usage to now
- The action may still affect the present
- The timeframe is unspecified or ongoing
Key Insight: If the effect or relevance continues into the present, lean on “has been used.”
Side-by-Side Comparison: ‘Is Used’ vs. ‘Was Used’ vs. ‘Has Been Used’
| Phrase | Tense | Time Reference | Typical Use Cases | Example |
| Is used | Present Passive | Now / Habitual | Manuals, instructions, facts | “This app is used daily by millions.” |
| Was used | Simple Past Passive | Past (completed) | History, discontinued practices | “The technique was used in 1995.” |
| Has been used | Present Perfect | Past to Present Link | Ongoing influence or repeated use | “That format has been used for years.” |
Common Mistakes That Mangle Meaning
Even native speakers often trip up these phrases. Let’s clean up the chaos.
Mistake 1: Using “Is Used” for Past Events
- ❌ “The phone is used to make calls in 2004.”
- ✅ “The phone was used to make calls in 2004.”
Mistake 2: Using “Has Been Used” When the Relevance Is Gone
- ❌ “This toy has been used in 1980.”
- ✅ “This toy was used in 1980.”
Mistake 3: Mixing Timelines
- ❌ “The rule has been used last week.”
- ✅ “The rule was used last week.”
Tip: Use “has been used” only when you’re not stating a specific past time like “yesterday,” “last week,” or “in 2010.”
Case Study: Tense in Real-World Usage
Let’s analyze how companies and publications use these verb phrases.
Apple’s User Guides
“This setting is used to reset your iPhone.” Why? Because the setting still exists and the information is ongoing.
Academic Research
“This theory has been used to support recent discoveries.” Why? It started in the past, but still plays a role today.
History Books
“The printing press was used to spread literature in the 16th century.” Why? It refers to a completed event with a clear past timeframe.
Grammar in Action: Rewriting the Same Idea in All Three Tenses
Let’s take one concept and spin it three ways.
Original Action: Describing a tool
- Is used: “This wrench is used to tighten bolts.” → Current and general usage
- Was used: “This wrench was used on the old assembly line.” → Completed action in the past
- Has been used: “This wrench has been used in various repairs over the years.” → Action began earlier, still possibly in use or relevant
Quiz: Choose the Correct Phrase
- “This code ___ to unlock the vault.” ✅ is used
- “That design ___ during the 2008 Olympics.” ✅ was used
- “This method ___ in multiple peer-reviewed studies.” ✅ has been used
Pro Tips to Master English Verb Tense
- 🧠 Think in timelines, not just words
- 🕰 Visualize the action: Is it still happening? Relevant?
- 📢 Say it out loud: If it sounds awkward, it probably is
- 🧩 Look for time clues: Words like “now,” “last year,” “already” help anchor tense
Visual Timeline: Where Each Phrase Lives in Time
vbnet
CopyEdit
PAST – – → – – → – – → NOW
↑ ↑ ↑
Was used Has been used Is used
- Was used = 💀 Done and dusted
- Has been used = 🔄 Started earlier, still part of the story
- Is used = 🟢 Alive and happening now
Why This Matters: The Hidden Power of Grammar
Using the right verb tense isn’t just about impressing grammar nerds. It shapes how others:
- Interpret your message
- Understand your credibility
- Trust your facts
In emails, reports, instructions, or speeches – get the tense right, and you’ll sound polished, professional, and powerful.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the correct usage of “is used,” “has been used,” and “was used” is more than a grammar drill – it’s about mastering time, context, and clarity. Each tense carries specific meaning tied to when something happens and whether that action is still relevant.
- Use “is used” for habits, instructions, and facts that apply today.
- Use “was used” for events or usage that occurred in the past and are now finished.
- Use “has been used” to show a connection between the past and the present.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between ‘is used’ and ‘was used’?
“Is used” refers to something that’s currently applicable or generally true. “Was used” describes an action that happened in the past and is no longer happening. The key is whether the usage is still valid today.
When should I use ‘has been used’ instead of ‘was used’?
Use “has been used” when the action started in the past and still matters now. If the past usage impacts the present, choose this form. Use “was used” only when the action is fully completed and no longer relevant.
Can I say ‘is used’ when talking about a habit?
Yes! “Is used” is perfect for habits or common routines that are still true. For example, “This app is used every day by millions of users.” It shows current and repeated action.
Why is ‘has been used’ considered present perfect?
Because it links the past with the present. The structure “has been used” shows that the action began before now and still has current significance or impact. It’s often used in formal writing and reports.
Is passive voice wrong in English?
Not at all! Passive voice like “is used” or “was used” is useful when the action is more important than who did it. It’s common in technical, scientific, and objective w
