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Tuongvan Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

haven't skoked vs haven't been smoking

Dear teachers,
I wonder whther I am right when saying " Ihaven't smoked " and I haven't been smoking"in the following situation:

Situation 1:
A: Have a cigarette please?
B:Thanks.I haven't smoked (Here. I mean I am a non-smoker.)

Situation 2:
A: Have a cigarette please?
B:Thanks.I haven't been smoking(Here. I mean I used to smoke in the past, but for some reason I have stopped smoking until now)

Could you help me with this problem?

Thank you in advance
  

Top answer

Tuongvan Situation 1: A: Have a cigarette please? I haven't smoked (Here. ) This is very unidiomatic.

— CalifJim

  • Tuongvan Situation 1: A: Have a cigarette please?
  • I haven't smoked (Here.
  • ) This is very unidiomatic.
  • You will have to change it considerably.
  • I haven't smoked will never get across the idea that you don't smoke.
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3 Answers
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TuongvanSituation 1:
A: Have a cigarette please?
B:Thanks.I haven't smoked (Here. I mean I am a non-smoker.)
This is very unidiomatic. You will have to change it considerably. I haven't smoked will never get across the idea that you don't smoke.

A: Would you like a cigarette? / Cigarette?
B: No, thanks. I don't s
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Thank you Califjim,
But one grammar lesson online says like this :

I haven’t played tennis.
Means: I’ve never played tennis in my life — not even one time!

I haven’t been playing tennis.
Means: I usually play tennis, bu

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I haven’t smoked (it’s the answer for the question have you ever smoked?(in life))

I haven’t been smoking

For instance

Do you still smoke? No ,I gave up , I haven’t been smoking for years/I haven’t smoked for years.

But for the question you asked,

Would you like a cigarette?

No,I don’t smoke

Hope you’re clear.

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