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Tenacious Learner Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Do I have to use a 'present time marker' with these sentences?

Hi teachers,
Do I have to use a 'present time marker' with these sentences in order to sound natural, or they are just fine?
a) Sharon has sometimes had dinner with Robert.
b) Sharon has phoned Robert every week.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

These are OK by me: a) Sharon has sometimes had dinner with Robert. Sharon sometimes has dinner with Robert. b) Sharon has phoned Robert every week.

  • These are OK by me: a) Sharon has sometimes had dinner with Robert.
  • Sharon sometimes has dinner with Robert.
  • b) Sharon has phoned Robert every week.
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8 Answers
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These are OK by me:

a) Sharon has sometimes had dinner with Robert.
Sharon sometimes has dinner with Robert.
b) Sharon has phoned Robert every week.
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AlpheccaStarsa) Sharon has sometimes had dinner with Robert. Sharon sometimes has dinner with Robert.
Hi AlpheccaStars,
Thank you for your reply.
Cannot letter 'a' be in present perfect with 'sometimes'? How about another 'frequency adverb'?

TS
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Thinking SpainCannot letter 'a' be in present perfect with 'sometimes'? How about another 'frequency adverb'?
It is possible if the meaning of 'past life experience' is invoked. The sentence does sound a bit odd, though: perhaps it is just that context. This is a more common kind of use: I have sometimes thought that life is but a dream, but harsh reality
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Mister MicawberI have sometimes thought that life is but a dream, but harsh reality has always come back to bite me.
Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you for your reply. Isn't that 'always' true?

TS
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Thinking Spain Isn't that 'always' true?
Sorry, but I don't know what you mean, TS.
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Hi Mister Micawber,
I didn't express myself properly then. It was just a comment on your previous sentence when I said, 'Isn't that always true that harsh reality always comes back to bite everyone?

By the way, are these sentences correct? They don't need a 'present time marker' in order to sound natural, do they?
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a) Sharon has often gone to Wilton.
b) Sharon has always gone to Wilton.
(X) c) Sharo has rarely went to Wilton.-- you cannot use 'went', of course. Otherwise the sentences are OK.
d) Sharon has never gone to Wilton.

Would 'sometimes' work in that context?- Yes, I think any of the frequency adverbs will fit, but still under the constr
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Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you very much for your reply and sorry for letter 'c'. It was lack of attention.Emotion: embarrassed

TS

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