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Too finicky 7 Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

In the past - Past or present perfect ?

I would like to know whether it is right to follow present perfect tense after "in the past" ?


Would this be a correct sentence ?

In the past, he has spoken very nice things about Indian culture and artists.

or

Should it be

In the past, he spoke very nice things about Indian culture and artists.


Thanks

  

Top answer

too finicky 7 a) In the past, he has said very nice things about Indian culture and artists. b) In the past, he said very nice things about Indian culture and artists. "spoke(n) very nice things" does not feel natural.

— GPY

  • too finicky 7 a) In the past, he has said very nice things about Indian culture and artists.
  • b) In the past, he said very nice things about Indian culture and artists.
  • "spoke(n) very nice things" does not feel natural.
  • Both sentences are possible as amended.
  • The usual difference between past and present perfect tenses is moderated by the presence of "in the past", but still exists to some degree.
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2 Answers
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too finicky 7a) In the past, he has said very nice things about Indian culture and artists.
b) In the past, he said very nice things about Indian culture and artists.

"spoke(n) very nice things" does not feel natural. Both sentences are possible as amended. The usual d

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too finicky 7I would like to know whether it is right to follow present perfect tense after "in the past" ?

Yes, but usually not if the agent of the action is dead. We don't say

In the past Gandhi has made some very good speeches.

CJ

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