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ESL forum >
Ask for help > present perfect
present perfect
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yanogator
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@velodra, If a duration is given, there isn �t much difference. I have taught math for 30 years. I have been teaching math for 30 years.
In general, continuous tenses emphasize a process over time, so that is the difference here. The first is just a statement of fact. The second conveys the involvement in the activity.
Without a duration, the difference is bigger. I have done my homework. -- the work is finished I have been doing my homework. -- that is how I have spent my time. The work may or may not be finished. Again, the continuous deals with the process over time.
Bruce |
12 Nov 2014
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valodra
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Thank you so much!
BUT....;-))
I have taught math for 30 years. = I �m an experienced Math teacher (???)
I have been teaching math for 30 years.= it �s been a loooong time; ( not my experience here , just an emphasis on : 30 years. )
NO ?
If so, there IS a difference.( BTW; I do apologize for my - failed !- attempts to use this " prompt mode"!!!)
I �ve tried = no results - so far! ;-))
I �ve been trying = it has taken me a long time . ( but I failed!!)
:-((
( I cannot just underline words - Am I so helpless ??? )
Thank you for not answering this last question!!!...
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12 Nov 2014
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yanogator
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I didn �t say no difference. Both say that I have 30 years of experience. The continuous just stresses the process over time, as I said. An interviewer might ask the question in either tense, since both tenses give the information about the amount of experience.
In your examples with "try", the difference isn�t that exact. Both indicate a failure to accomplish a desired task, but the continuous just emphasizes the time period. It doesn�t necessarily imply a long time.
Did this help?
Bruce
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12 Nov 2014
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yetigumboots
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Thank you guys for all your answers. Everything is as clear as mud now.. hehe sorry just kidding. Yes I think I understand. Thanks for your help Yeti xx |
14 Nov 2014
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valodra
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@Yanogator, Thank you very much! :-)))
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14 Nov 2014
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