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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
I was vs I have been
Hello all!
So, first, I have seen previous threads about this topic, but none have clarified the answer for me.
Looking at these two statements alone:
I have been in New York. (present perfect continuous?)
I was in New York. (past continuous?)
What is the difference?
Sure, the grammar is different, but I've thought it over many times, and the meaning of the sentences seems to be exactly the same. Again looking at only this information, nothing additional.
As a English native speaker, this question was posed to me by my German friend.. and of course I could not answer!
Cheers,
Stu
So, first, I have seen previous threads about this topic, but none have clarified the answer for me.
Looking at these two statements alone:
I have been in New York. (present perfect continuous?)
I was in New York. (past continuous?)
What is the difference?
Sure, the grammar is different, but I've thought it over many times, and the meaning of the sentences seems to be exactly the same. Again looking at only this information, nothing additional.
As a English native speaker, this question was posed to me by my German friend.. and of course I could not answer!
Cheers,
Stu
Top answer
I have been in New York. ( present perfect )-- A statement of either a recent trip or a life experience. I was in New York.
- I have been in New York.
- ( present perfect )-- A statement of either a recent trip or a life experience.
- I was in New York.
- ( simple past )-- a statement of past fact.
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1 Answers
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I have been in New York. ( present perfect )-- A statement of either a recent trip or a life experience.
I was in New York. ( simple past )-- a statement of past fact.
I was in New York. ( simple past )-- a statement of past fact.
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