Is it correct/natural to use present perfect for some verbs?
In British English I see that present perfect is preferred for the events that happens in recent past such as:
"I have received your letter."
" I have dropped my wallet" etc.
In the same logic how natural/correct to use below verbs making some relevance with the present:
"I have thought." instead of " I thought"
"I have imagined" instead of " I imagined"
"I have understood." instead of " I understood"
Can you explain please? Thanks
Top answer
The point of present perfect is that the action occurred (or the condition existed) at an indefinite point in the past with a present result. It's not necessary or implied that the action was in the recent past. Those three verbs can certainly be used in the past perfect: I have thought a great deal about this, and here is my decision.
- The point of present perfect is that the action occurred (or the condition existed) at an indefinite point in the past with a present result.
- It's not necessary or implied that the action was in the recent past.
- Those three verbs can certainly be used in the past perfect: I have thought a great deal about this, and here is my decision.
- I have imagined terrors beyond most people's wildest nightmares.
- I have understood the theory of relativity since high school.
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The point of present perfect is that the action occurred (or the condition existed) at an indefinite point in the past with a present result. It's not necessary or implied that the action was in the recent past. Those three verbs can certainly be used in the past perfect:
I have thought a great deal about this, and here is my decision.
I have imagined terrors beyond most people's
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