Question

How and when do you use "being" and "been"?

Answer 1

Hint: Students often get confused between the terms "being" and "been." The present participle of the verb 'be' is "being" and "been" is the past participle of the verb 'be' respectively.

Complete answer:
The word "been" is always used after "have," while "being" is never used after "have." The past participle of the verb 'be,' is "been" and it is commonly used in the perfect aspect of the verb "have" in all of its forms, which are had and has.
For example:
They have been busy lately. This sentence is correct.
They have been busy lately. This sentence is incorrect as "being" is not to be used after "have."

Other Examples of "been":
You have been very helpful this week.
The children have not been naughty.
I think alcohol may have been a factor that led to increased aggression among teenagers.

The present participle of the verb "be" is "being." "Being" can be used along with the continuous forms of the verb "be," which includes am, is, was, are, and were.
For Example:
All of Thomas's paintings are being sold. This sentence is correct.
All of Thomas's paintings have been sold. This sentence is incorrect as "been" is not to be used after the continuous forms of the verb "be."
"Being" could also be used as a noun.
For example, A human being.

Other Examples of "being":
The movie is being shown in 3D in all theatres.
Lisa is being accused of stealing office stationery.
Do all actors prefer being famous?

Note: The phrase "had been" refers to something that occurred in the past and has now come to an end. The words "have been" and "has been" are used to indicate that something started in the past and has continued into the present.