Been or Being

Been or Being

by Ho

Is it correct to say “Thanks for being a good brother,” or is it “Thanks for been a good brother”?

Please explain.

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Dec 14, 2012
Answer
by: Chelsey

Good question!

"Thanks for being a good brother" is correct.

We would never say, "Thanks for been a good brother."

Being and been are both forms of the verb "to be".

Being is the progressive form of the verb "to be."

This means the action is ongoing or continuing.

When we say, "Thanks for being a good brother," we use the progressive form because he is continuing to be a good brother.

Been is the perfect form of the verb "to be."

This means the action is complete or finished.

Example:
He has been a good brother in the past, but is now being rude.

The word been is used after an auxiliary verb.

Examples:
The kids had been having fun before the party ended.

I have been tricked.

All the food has been eaten.

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