usage of present perfect (with and without ing ending)

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Anonymous

#504083 Wed, 23 Apr 08 03:51 AM

Hi, I have a question regarding the present perfect when using it as opposed to the simple past. I spoke to her last night. (simple past is fine here) I've spoken to her this morning. (Taken from examples for present perfect, should be fine hence.) Why not "I spoke to her this morning"? You'd also say "I spoke to her earlier." Last question: Where's the difference between "I have lived in Chicago for 5 years" and I've been living in Chicago for 5 years"? (Similarly, "I've waited for your call" and "I've been waiting for your call"?) Sebastian

Anonymous

Difference between, Present perfect, Simple past

Clive

#504092 Wed, 23 Apr 08 04:32 AM

Hi,

Does it help if I tell you that the Present Perfect indicates more strongly than the Simple Past that the fact has some importance in the present?

Example 1

Son: Dad, I passed my driving test this morning.

Father: Good.

Example 2

Son: Dad, I've passed my driving test.

Father: Oh, I suppose now you want to borrow the keys to the car.

Last question: Where's the difference between "I have lived in Chicago for 5 years" and I've been living in Chicago for 5 years"? (Similarly, "I've waited for your call" and "I've been waiting for your call"?) You will find quite a lot of discussion about this in other threads if you search. Here are a few comments.

"I have lived in Chicago for 5 years" You probably live there at present.

"I've been living in Chicago for 5 years" This has a number of fairly subtle possible meanings. eg It draws attention to the duration of the activity. eg It may be used to give an explanation for the present situation. eg It may indicate that you have excellent knowledge or experience or expertise. eg It may indicate you now have a problem or a complaint.

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

Difference between, Numbers, Present perfect, Simple past

Anonymous

#504099 Wed, 23 Apr 08 05:11 AM

Hi, I see the thing with have lived/have been living. My initial question, however, remains. Although I understand your example with the driving test, why can't I say "I spoke to her this morning." but "I spoke to her yesterday." Sebastian

Anonymous

Present perfect

Clive

#504101 Wed, 23 Apr 08 05:16 AM

Hi,

I see the thing with have lived/have been living. My initial question, however, remains. Although I understand your example with the driving test, why can't I say "I spoke to her this morning." but "I spoke to her yesterday." You can say both of these things. What makes you think that you can't?

Clive