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Desafinado Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Can't I use "had been" in this context?

This is a question about how to use the Perfect Continuous Tense of Verbs correctly.

I used "had been shopping" for my answer as follows.
However, the answer is "have been shopping".
Can't I use "had been shopping" with "all day" in this context?

Ralph and I had been shopping all day.

Ralph and I have been shopping all day.
  

Top answer

Both are correct English. Only the wider context can determine which is appropriate. Is any more context given?

— GPY

  • Both are correct English.
  • Only the wider context can determine which is appropriate.
  • Is any more context given?
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10 Answers
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Both are correct English. Only the wider context can determine which is appropriate. Is any more context given?
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Thank you, GPY. Unfortunately, only that sentence is given in this question. I understand that the both tense work.
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DesafinadoCan't I use "had been shopping" with "all day" in this context?
Certainly you can use that. Of course, it would be some day in the past, not today.

Are you sure the question didn't use "today"? For example, if you had a choice between these:

A. Ralph and I had been shopping all day today.
B. Ralph and I have been shopping all
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DesafinadoThank you, CalifJim. I will attach the screenshot of the questions. Yes, I understand if the question sentense is provided with "today", it should use "have been". Thanks for your kind advice!
#2 has the same issue. Also #6 looks faulty, and #1 is somewhat dubious too. What answers do they give for those?
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Desafinadoscreenshot
OK. I see it. Given those instructions, either 'have' or 'had' ("been shopping") is correct for number 4.
DesafinadoI understand if the question sentence is provided with "today", it should use "have been".
Good!

CJ
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I should have attached answers as well.
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DesafinadoI should have attached answers as well.
Sorry, #1 is OK; I forgot the possibility of future perfect. However, #6 is not a continuous tense.
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