[title]Family quotes[/title] [description]Welcome to our family quotes section! Here you'll find some of the funniest (and wisest) quotes on the subject of family life![/description]
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Broken up

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Latest post Sat, Dec 20 2008 6:35 AM by Anonymous. 4 replies.
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Stevenukd  +  615698 Sat, 20 Dec 08 06:28 AM
A: Are Mary and Peter still together?
B: No. They have been broken up already.

- Why don't we use "They have broken up already"?

Thanks so much to Teachers,

  Stevenukd
Stevenukd
Joined on Wed, Aug 31 2005
Vietnam
Regular Member 946
Anonymous, 340 days ago
To break up with someone is active, not passive voice. No one has done the job of "breaking up" for them (such as in the sentence: The car has been fixed by a mechanic).
Could you please tell me where you saw "They have been broken up already?"

Hana
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CalifJim  +  615709 Sat, 20 Dec 08 06:38 AM

Stevenukd
“Why don't we use "They have broken up already"?”
???  We do use that.  I certainly don't use They have been broken up already.

CJ
CalifJim
Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member 22,454
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
Stevenukd  +  615727 Sat, 20 Dec 08 07:17 AM

Dear Teachers,

- But Native speakers do say "They have been broken up for 2 years now" and do not say "They have broken up for 2 years now", right? (:)) Smile

Thanks very much!

  Stevenukd

Stevenukd
Ratiatum  +  615739 Sat, 20 Dec 08 07:38 AM
Actually "they have been broken up" and "they have broken up for 2 years now" would both be considered mistakes. 

"They broke up two years ago."

"They have been apart or separated for two years now."

Q. "Are x and y still together?"
A. "No, they've broken up."
Ratiatum
Joined on Tue, Dec 9 2008
New Member 24
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