English learners often get stuck when deciding between “is used,” “has been used,” and “was used.” At first glance, they look similar—after all, they all involve the verb “use.” But the real difference lies in tense, time, and context.
These expressions show up everywhere: in workplaces, schools, academic writing, and even casual chats. Choosing the wrong one can make your sentence sound strange or even change its meaning completely.
This guide will break everything down into easy-to-read tables, real-life examples, synonyms, and grammar hacks. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use each phrase with confidence.
Understanding the Core Grammar Tenses Behind Each Phrase
Before diving into examples, let’s identify what tense each phrase belongs to:
| Phrase | Tense / Voice | Meaning in Simple Terms |
| Is used | Present simple passive | Something is generally or regularly used right now or as a rule. |
| Has been used | Present perfect passive | Something started in the past and is still relevant/true in the present. |
| Was used | Past simple passive | Something happened in the past and is finished. |
👉 In short:
- Is used = now / general fact
- Has been used = started in past, relevant now
- Was used = past, no longer happening
“Is Used”: Present Simple Passive Explained with Examples
When we say “is used,” we’re talking about something that is generally true or happens as a routine. It’s in the present simple passive tense.
| Example Sentence | Explanation |
| English is used worldwide. | General fact – people use English globally right now. |
| This tool is used for cutting wood. | States the function or regular purpose of the tool. |
| Credit cards are used for payments. | Habitual or standard practice in today’s time. |
When to Use “Is Used” in Daily English
Use “is used” when:
- You’re talking about rules, laws, or common practices.
- You’re describing the purpose of something.
- You want to explain facts in the present.
👉 Example:
- Plastic is used in packaging – It’s true today, in general.
Real-Life Situations Where “Is Used” Fits Naturally
| Situation | Example Sentence |
| Technology | Email is used for quick communication. |
| Education | Exams are used to measure student progress. |
| Business | Market research is used to understand customer behavior. |
| Daily Life | Salt is used in almost every kitchen recipe. |
“Has Been Used”: Present Perfect Passive Explained with Examples
“Has been used” refers to something that started in the past but is still important now. It’s in the present perfect passive tense.
| Example Sentence | Explanation |
| This car has been used for five years. | The car use started five years ago and continues now. |
| The method has been used successfully. | It was applied in the past and is still valid or remembered now. |
| My laptop has been used too much today. | Started earlier today and still matters (the laptop is overheating). |
When to Use “Has Been Used” in Conversations and Writing
Use “has been used” when:
- Something began in the past and connects to now.
- You want to show results, experiences, or ongoing situations.
- You’re writing academic or professional English.
👉 Example:
- This formula has been used in physics for decades.
(It was introduced in the past and is still relevant now.)
Common Mistakes Learners Make with “Has Been Used”
| Mistake | Corrected Sentence |
| ❌ The old phone is used for many years. | ✅ The old phone has been used for many years. |
| ❌ This app was used since 2010. | ✅ This app has been used since 2010. |
⚡ Pro Tip: If you see words like “since,” “for,” or “lately,” you probably need “has been used.”
“Was Used”: Past Simple Passive Explained with Examples
“Was used” is all about the past. Something happened, but it’s over.
| Example Sentence | Explanation |
| This machine was used in the 1990s. | It happened in the past; it’s not used now. |
| That building was used as a hospital. | It had the purpose in the past, but not anymore. |
| My bike was used yesterday. | Past event, already finished. |
When to Use “Was Used” Correctly in Sentences
Use “was used” when:
- You’re telling a story about the past.
- The action is finished and no longer true now.
- You want to describe history or past habits.
👉 Example:
- Coal was used as fuel in the 19th century.
Examples of “Was Used” in Real-Life Contexts
| Context | Example Sentence |
| History | The telegraph was used before telephones were invented. |
| Personal Story | My grandfather’s house was used as a shelter during storms. |
| Science/Technology | Film rolls were used before digital cameras took over. |
| Everyday Conversation | My credit card was used without my permission yesterday. |
Synonym & Alternative Expressions
Instead of repeating the same phrase, you can use synonyms.
| Phrase | Synonyms / Alternatives |
| Is used | is applied, serves as, functions as |
| Has been used | has been applied, has served, has been utilized |
| Was used | was applied, was employed, served as, functioned as |
Comparison Table: Key Differences Between the Three
| Phrase | Time Reference | Example Sentence |
| Is used | Present / General fact | Water is used for drinking. |
| Has been used | Past → Present link | This medicine has been used for centuries. |
| Was used | Past only | The old well was used until it dried up. |
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to Usage
- “Make use of” – Example: She made use of her free time.
- “Come into use” – Example: Smartphones came into use in the 2000s.
- “Put to good use” – Example: That skill was put to good use during the project.
Business and Academic Context: Which Phrase Works Best?
| Context | Best Choice | Example Sentence |
| Business | is used / has been used | This strategy is used in global marketing. |
| Research | has been used | The method has been used in several studies. |
| History | was used | Coal was used as the main energy source in the past. |
Everyday English: Choosing Between These Three in Casual Speech
- Talking about general facts → “is used.”
- Sharing something ongoing from past → “has been used.”
- Recalling past events → “was used.”
👉 Example in a short conversation:
A: How do people pay for things nowadays?
B: Credit cards are used everywhere.
A: Oh really? I thought cash was used more in the past.
C: Yes, but mobile payment apps have been used increasingly in recent years.
Writing Tips: How to Avoid Overusing Passive Voice
Too much passive voice makes writing dull. Try to balance it.
| Passive Voice | Active Voice Alternative |
| This machine is used in factories. | Factories use this machine. |
| The plan was used in 2010. | They used the plan in 2010. |
| The rule has been used for decades. | People have used the rule for decades. |
Quick Grammar Hacks to Remember the Difference
- If it’s a fact now → “is used.”
- If it connects past to now → “has been used.”
- If it’s only past → “was used.”
Practice Sentences You Can Try Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct form:
| Sentence | Answer |
| This app ___ (is used / has been used / was used) since 2015. | has been used |
| Salt ___ (is used / has been used / was used) in cooking worldwide. | is used |
| That warehouse ___ (is used / has been used / was used) during the war. | was used |
Final Thoughts
The difference between “is used,” “has been used,” and “was used” lies in time and context.
- Is used → Present facts and general truths.
- Has been used → Past action that connects to now.
- Was used → Something from the past, finished.
Mastering these will make your English sound clearer, more professional, and natural.
FAQs
Q1: Can “is used” and “was used” mean the same thing?
Not exactly. “Is used” means something is true now, while “was used” refers to the past.
Q2: What’s the difference between “has been used” and “was used”?
“Has been used” links past to present, while “was used” is only about the past.
Q3: Which is more formal: “is used” or “has been used”?
“Has been used” is usually more formal, especially in academic or professional writing.
Q4: Is “is used to” the same as “is used”?
No. “Is used to” means “accustomed to” (e.g., She is used to waking up early), which is different.
Q5: Can I use active voice instead of these passive forms?
Yes! For example: This tool is used for writing → People use this tool for writing.
