double meaning of "have/has been + job"?
Hello
I am confused as to the usage of 'have/has been' in present perfect tense.
I used to think that 'have/has been + job' means the person is still in that job, eg.She has been an actor means She is still an actor now.
However, I read the following sentence in a textbook (cutting edge 3):
During the last ten years, Ameet has had ten different jobs: he has worked in the import-export business, he has been an estate agent and now he has just started his own company which sells mobile phones.
which seem to suggest that 'have/has been + job' can also refer to a status that's no longer present.
So, does this use of 'have been' require a clear context to avoid misunderstanding?
If someone simply say, " I have been an art student.", how am I supposed to know which meaning s/he really tries to convey?
Top answer
catknows She has been an actor means She is still an actor now. ' catknows 'have/has been + job' can also refer to a status that's no longer present. Right.
- catknows She has been an actor means She is still an actor now.
- ' catknows 'have/has been + job' can also refer to a status that's no longer present.
- Right.
- catknows does this use of 'have been' require a clear context to avoid misunderstanding?
- Yes.
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catknowsShe has been an actor means She is still an actor now.
No, that means that she is no longer an actor, unless a time reference makes her current acting clear: 'She has been an actor since 1990.'
catknows 'have/has been + job' can also refer to a status that's no longer present.
Right.
ca
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