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Future perfect progressive and present perfect

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Latest post Tue, May 27 2008 6:49 AM by Anonymous. 2 replies.
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Anonymous  +  519384 Tue, 27 May 08 02:32 AM

Hi,

1. Why does it have to be 'prior to the main narrative time frame' here? Can it be 'past the main narrative time frame'?

The future perfect progressive verb will have been listening suggests action that will begin in the time frame prior to the main narrative time frame and that will be still be underway when another action begins.

2. Is this use of present perfect OK as part of what looks like instructions or a definition?

An electrical instrument that is heated and used to sooth clothes after you have dried them. 
Anonymous
, ,
Clive  +  519421 Tue, 27 May 08 04:46 AM

Hi,

1. Why does it have to be 'prior to the main narrative time frame' here? Can it be 'past the main narrative time frame'?

The future perfect progressive verb will have been listening suggests action that will begin in the time frame prior to the main narrative time frame and that will be still be underway when another action begins.

Consider this timeline for tomorrow.

6pm. I will start cooking dinner.

7pm I will finish cooking dinner.

If you call me at 6.60 pm tomorrow, I will have been cooking dinner for half an hour.

I don't understand your question, Can it be 'past the main narrative time frame'? Can you please provide a timeline similar to the above, to show what you are asking about?

2. Is this use of present perfect OK as part of what looks like instructions or a definition?

An electrical instrument that is heated and used to sooth clothes after you have dried them. 

Yes. But the passive is often used in such a context to avoid the use of 'you', ie to avoid any reference to an agent.

An electrical instrument that is heated and used to sooth iron clothes after they have been dried.

Best wishes, Clive
Clive
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
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El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
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Anonymous, 1 yr 164 days ago

Hi, Clive.

I think there is no need for a timeline like the one you had because your explanation with the timelime has already answered my question. Thank you.  

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