The project has not been (built) without controversy

Question

It is certainly thrilling, and many visitors have already enjoyed the Skywalk, which opened in 2007. However, the project has not been without controversy.

Hi,
Is there a "built" understood" behind "has not been?" Thanks.

Spacedunce-5 · Accepted Answer

No: controversy has always been with the project. Just like I have always been with my girlfriend.

And I believe you use the Nani English high school textbook in Taiwan.
?

MichalS · Answer

Are you asking whether "has not been" refers to building this Skywalk?

If yes, then my answer is "no".

"the project has not been without controversy" may mean that some people didn't share the enthusiasm to build it for whatever reasons. Maybe for safety of environmental reasons. Who knows?

Clive · Answer

Hi,
It is certainly thrilling, and many visitors have already enjoyed the Skywalk, which opened in 2007. However, the project has not been without controversy.

Is there a "built" understood" behind "has not been?"
No. the verb 'be' is used here in the broad sense of 'exist'. ie The project has not existed without controversy.

This kind of construction can be used in many contexts.
eg The dinner party was not without incident. Somebody murdered the butler.
eg His smile is not without malice. I know he hates me.

'. . . has not been . . . ' suggests the project is not yet finished.
'. . . was . . . ' would indicate the project is finished.

Best wishes, Clive

Angliholic · Answer

spacedunce-5No: controversy has always been with the project. Just like I have always been with my girlfriend.

And I believe you use the Nani English high school textbook in Taiwan.
?

Thanks, spacedunce.
Got it!
By the way, what do you mean by "Nani ...?" How do you know it's a textbook?
Actually, it's just an English article from a test book.

The project has not been (built) without controversy

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