tense choice

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Diamondrg  #198302  Sat, 18 Feb 06 01:46 PM

(two people talking about a third person)

A: There is something strange about him.

B: ----.

A) I noticed that

B) I have noticed that

Which one would you use?

  
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pieanne  #198312  Sat, 18 Feb 06 03:46 PM

I think you can use both. The simple past indicates some kind of detachement about the fact (Yes, I noticed that some time ago...). The present perfect can show that the person's ready to discuss the "strangeness" at length.

  
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MrPedantic  #198331  Sat, 18 Feb 06 04:23 PM

Yes; "I noticed that [some time ago/as soon as I met him/etc.]" or "I've noticed that too".

MrP

  
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