The idiom "it's been" is a commonly used idiom in English, often used to convey the passage of time since a specific event or occurrence.

In short:

• "It's been" refers to the duration of time that has passed since an event happened or a situation started.

What Does "It's Been" Mean?

“It’s been” is a contraction of “it has been” and is commonly used in English. Its primary meaning is to indicate the passage of time since a specific event or point in the past.

Let's delve into its primary meanings and usage:

• Primary meaning: Refers to the passage of time since a specific event or point in the past.
• Usage: “It’s been” is commonly used to express the duration or amount of time that has elapsed since a particular event or situation. It is often followed by a time frame or a specific action to provide context.
• The length of time since an event happened: Here, "it's been" is typically followed by a duration of time, e.g., "It's been three years since we last met."
• An expression of missed emotions or longing: In this case, "it's been" is often paired with a feeling, such as "It's been a pleasure" or "It's been too long."

“It’s been” is used to acknowledge the passage of time and can convey a sense of reflection or nostalgia. These are just a few examples of how "it's been" can be used in English to denote various meanings related to the passage of time or the expression of feelings.

Where Does "It's Been" Come From?

The phrase "it's been" has a somewhat ambiguous origin, as it is a contraction of the phrase "it has been," which is a fundamental part of the English language and has been used for hundreds of years. The contraction to "it's been" likely developed organically with the evolution of English speech.

Historical Usage

"It's been a long time since I was so vigorously refreshed,"

- from Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, 1851.

10 Examples of "It's Been" in Sentences

Here are ten examples of "it's been" used in various contexts:

• He rose up early in the morning and realized it’s been a long time since he felt this energized.
• It's been three hours since the meeting started.
• It’s been a long week, but when I finally finished my project, I couldn’t help but say, “Yaas!”
• It's been difficult without you.
• It’s been quite challenging to stay positive during these trying times.
• It's been a long day at work.
• It’s been a while since we last caught up, so let’s buckle down and have a productive conversation.
• It's been interesting learning about this topic.
• It’s been a long journey, but finally, I can enjoy the sweet fruits of my labor.
• It's been a momentous year for us.

Examples of "It's Been" in Pop Culture

The phrase "it's been" is quite prevalent in popular culture, often used in music, movies, and literature to convey feelings of nostalgia or longing.

Here are some examples:

• "It's been a hard day's night, and I've been working like a dog" - from 'A Hard Day's Night' by The Beatles.
• "It's been seven hours and fifteen days since you took your love away" - from 'Nothing Compares 2 U' by Sinead O'Connor.
• The phrase “It’s Been” is also the title of a TV show episode, such as “It’s Been” from the TV show “The Office.”
• “It’s Been” is the opening line of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” where the character Andy Dufresne says, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my friend.”
• “It’s Been” is a popular comedy sketch from the television show “Saturday Night Live,” where the host and cast members humorously reflect on current events or pop culture trends.
• “It’s Been” is the name of a song by Weird Al Yankovic, known for his humorous parodies of popular songs.
• “It’s Been” is a phrase commonly used in the podcast “My Favorite Murder” by hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark to introduce and discuss true crime cases.
• “It’s Been” is the title of a book by Andy Cohen, in which he reflects on his experiences as a television producer and host.
• “It’s Been” is a recurring catchphrase on the television show “Parks and Recreation,” often used by the character Ron Swanson to express frustration or annoyance.
• “It’s Been” is a popular recurring segment on the comedy television show “Saturday Night Live,” where a character or guest host reflects on various topics, usually in a humorous and exaggerated manner.
• “It’s Been” is the title of a song by the band Cake, released in 1996. The song features repetitive lyrics and a catchy melody, and it became a hit on alternative rock radio.
• In the movie “Jurassic Park,” Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, famously says, “Boy, do I hate being right all the time. It’s been a while since I’ve been wrong.”
• In the television show “Friends,” the character Chandler Bing often starts his sentences with the phrase “It’s been,” followed by a humorous or sarcastic remark.
• “It’s Been” is also the name of a popular podcast hosted by comedian Anthony Jeselnik. In each episode, Jeselnik and a guest discuss various topics humorously and irreverently.

Other/Different Ways to Say "It's Been"

If you want to avoid repeating the same expression repeatedly, you can use some other or different ways to say, "it's been."

Here are some synonyms or alternatives that you can use:

• He’s been practicing the art of the “Five-Finger Discount” for quite some time now.
• I haven't seen you in...
• We haven't spoken since...
• It has been
• It has already been
• It has previously been
• It has elapsed
• It has passed
• It has gone by
• She’s been my bonus daughter for over a decade now.
• It has occurred
• It has happened
• It has taken place

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "It's Been":

• Where does the phrase "it's been" originate from?

It is a contraction of the phrase "it has been," used in English language for centuries. The exact origin of the contraction is unclear, but it likely developed organically with the evolution of English speech.

• What does "it's been" mean?

"It's been" refers to the duration of time that has passed since an event happened or a situation started. It can also express missed emotions or feelings of longing.

• Can "it's been" be used to express feelings?

Yes, "it's been" can be used to express feelings, such as "It's been a pleasure" or "It's been too long."

• What does the phrase “it’s been” mean, and where does it come from?

The phrase “it’s been” is an idiomatic expression used to refer to something that has happened or existed in the past. Its origin can be traced back to the early 19th century. It bodes well for the development of language and communication.

• What other phrases can be used instead of "it's been"?

Some other phrases include "A long time has passed since...", "I haven't seen you in...", and "We haven't spoken since..."

• Is "it's been" commonly used in pop culture?

Yes, the phrase is often used in music, movies, and literature to express feelings of nostalgia or longing.

• Is "it's been" used in all English-speaking countries?

Yes, "It's been" is a universally used phrase in all English-speaking countries.

• Is "it's been" a metaphor?

No, "it's been" is not a metaphor. It is a direct phrase used to denote the passage of time.

• What does “it’s been” mean, and how does it relate to the phrase “acknowledge receipt of”?

“It’s been” is a phrase used to express the passage of time or the duration of a particular situation. In the context of “acknowledge receipt of,” it can be used to indicate the time elapsed since the receipt of something.

• Can "it's been" be used without a time phrase following it?

Yes, it can also be used to express feelings, for instance, "it's been a pleasure."

Final Thoughts about "It's Been"

The idiom "it's been" holds a significant place in the English language, demonstrating its flexibility and versatility in various contexts.

In summary:

• Meaning: It refers to the duration of time since an event or situation occurred.
• Usage: It is widely used in both informal and formal English and is prevalent in popular culture.
• Variations: Different phrases can be used to express a similar sentiment, such as "A long time has passed since..." or "I haven't seen you in...".

In essence, the phrase "It's been" enriches the language by allowing us to express complex emotions and temporal sequences in a succinct and clear manner.