Doubt in sentence

Question

Dear all,I would like to know the differences in meaning of the following sentences.1.I am a teacher.2.I was a teacher.3.I have been a teacher.Kindly tell me the exact meaning of the 3rd sentence. Is it a past tense or present tense? Is he still a teacher? Here in our place there is difference in opinion among the grammarians about the exact meaning of the 3rd sentence.Thanking you in advance.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Suppose that we show time thus: > .................
Suppose that X marks the present moment, the time when we say the sentence.

................................................................................... X .........................................
................................................................. ( .... I am a teacher... ) .....................
..... [ I was a teacher. ] .......................................................................................
..... ( ................ I have been a teacher ............. ) .........................................
.. [ I have been a teacher ] ..............................................................................

cat navy 425Kindly tell me the exact meaning of the 3rd sentence.

There is no exact meaning of that sentence. You haven't written enough for us to know the exact meaning. Therefore I showed two different interpretations above.

1. I became a teacher some time ago and I continued to be a teacher until now. (I have been a teacher for 12 years.)
2. I have had the life experience of being a teacher at some time in the past. For example, I taught from 2004 to 2007. (What jobs have you done so far during your life? I have been a factory worker, and I have been a teacher.)

CJ

Doubt in sentence

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