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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > past simple or present perfect?
past simple or present perfect?
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kinho
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past simple or present perfect?
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Hi everybody!!! Hope you are all well... My question is: in the following sentence, would you use simple past or present perfect? I thought it was simple past because it seems that she is not living alone anymore, but I have this doubt... What do you think? The sentence: She _____________ alone for five years. ( to live ) If we use the perfect tense it implies that she is still living alone or not???? Thanks in advance!!! Big hug for u!!! |
2 Oct 2012
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pilarmham
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It depends:
If she still lives alone, you should use the present perfect tense (is she has company now or if she is dead, the past tense would be needed).
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2 Oct 2012
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LevisEscober
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I think that is simple past because she lived alone just four years but it finished, so for me the correct is: She lived alone for five years. |
2 Oct 2012
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mtlaili
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I certainly agree with you dear. Yet, it depends upon the context/ the paragraph/ the current situation. Your interpretation of the situation determines which tense is appropriate.
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2 Oct 2012
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yanogator
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Yes, either choice can be correct. If we are talking about the past, with no interest in the present, we say, "She lived alone for five years" (at some time in the past). If the situation continues to the present, we say, "She has lived alone for five years" (so far). Bruce |
2 Oct 2012
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MoodyMoody
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You can even use the present perfect continuous for extra fun: "She has been living alone for five years, but now she is planning to get married." |
2 Oct 2012
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yanogator
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I agree, MoodyMoody. I had considered mentioning that, but I didn �t want to open a can of worms. Bruce |
2 Oct 2012
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MoodyMoody
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But cans of worms are soooo much fun to open! I have been doing that for years! |
3 Oct 2012
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imen66
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the simple past since the fact of living alone finished in the past so I think :She lived alone for five years is correct
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3 Oct 2012
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