By Clauses, Simple past

Re: Please, help me with this question

The difference is subtle. The present perfect is conceptually a step removed from the real action of the simple past. The present perfect is indirect compared to the direct simple past.I read a magazine today expresses what happened. It tells what I did directly. I have read a magazine today...

Re: I have lived in New York for five years before.

I agree that it's arguably possible, but anyone who wishes to convey that thought would be well-advised to to make it less ambiguous. People often say things like, "I have been living in Taiwan off and on for the past twenty years." In this version, the total accumulated time...

Re: since + present perfect tense

I may also wish to add that if the main clause makes clear what kind of time we’re talking about, it’s usually unnecessary to repeat it in the subordinate clause. Use appropriate time in the main clause and use simpler (simple past instead of past perfect) tense structure in the subordinate.

Re: since + present perfect tense

Since I was not allowed to edit my old post, I would like to add that one of the discrete past-marking usages of the present perfect tense is for denoting an experience.

Re: since + present perfect tense

Hi Doll,If you'll forgive my saying so, I believe you misused the word since as a time marker.First of all, the statement “I have never eaten an apple”does not point to a specific time in the past. By itself, it means in your entire life since the day you were born till now. Therefore, “since...

Re: since

Hoa Thai wrote:Hi Kooyeen and Goodman,In the relationship between the present perfect and simple past, we all know since is generally used to mark a time of an action in the past (simple past) to allow the second action to stretch from that time to the present (present perfect). Nevertheless, I...

Re: since

Hi Kooyeen and Goodman,In the relationship between the present perfect and simple past, we all know since is generally used to mark a time of an action in the past (simple past) to allow the second action to stretch from that time to the present (present perfect). Nevertheless, I have seen the...

Re: "since coming" or "since I came"?

Magic79 wrote: I have watched 3 movies with you .>>>this is incorrect structure! “Since” is typically associated with present perfect use. i.e. It's been 2 years since I last saw you. Your “past tense” sentence is incorrect. Can anyone strike me with a shaft of light in the...

Re: "since coming" or "since I came"?

Since is defined in Longman Dictionary of Temporary English as follows: 1 . Can anyone strike me with a shaft of light in the head?

Re: Past Continuous

1. The sentences are fine. Action completed.2. With yesterday, the "sentences" appear incomplete to me. Add a subordinate clause with a simple past tense verb:I was painting my room yesterday when the phone rang.I was reading a book yesterday when it began to rain.CB