to have been done (perfect passive infinitive)
to have been done (perfect passive infinitive) means “Perfect passive infinitive: something was done to the subject at a time before the main verb”. To have been + past participle combines the perfect infinitive (to have done, for an earlier time) with the passive (be + past participle, for an action received). Formation: to have been + past participle
Perfect passive infinitive: something was done to the subject at a time before the main verb
C2Formation
to have been + past participle
Explanation
To have been + past participle combines the perfect infinitive (to have done, for an earlier time) with the passive (be + past participle, for an action received). It reports that the subject underwent an action before the moment of the main verb: He claims to have been cheated (the cheating happened before he claims). It appears after verbs like seem, appear, claim, be said/believed/thought to, and after modals: The painting is believed to have been stolen. Use it, not the simple passive infinitive to be done, when the passive event is clearly earlier than the reporting verb.
Examples
Note
Contrast the simple passive infinitive to be done for a later or general time: He wants to be promoted (future) vs He is proud to have been chosen (earlier).
FAQ
to have been done (perfect passive infinitive) — what does it mean and how is it used?
Perfect passive infinitive: something was done to the subject at a time before the main verb. To have been + past participle combines the perfect infinitive (to have done, for an earlier time) with the passive (be + past participle, for an action received). It reports that the subject underwent an action before the moment of the main verb: He claims to have been cheated (the cheating happened before he claims). It appears after verbs like seem, appear, claim, be said/believed/thought to, and after modals: The painting is believed to have been stolen. Use it, not the simple passive infinitive to be done, when the passive event is clearly earlier than the reporting verb.
to have been done (perfect passive infinitive) — how do you form it?
to have been + past participle
to have been done (perfect passive infinitive) — any usage notes?
Contrast the simple passive infinitive to be done for a later or general time: He wants to be promoted (future) vs He is proud to have been chosen (earlier).