Is it possible to use present perfect with "long ago"?

Generally, no. But you could say, "I have seen that film, but it was long ago".

PhilipGenerally, no. But you could say, "I have seen that film, but it was long ago".

Very smart, Philip.

Cool Breeze

PhilipGenerally, no. But you could say, "I have seen that film, but it was long ago".

Very smart, Philip.

Cool Breezeor at least a little stupid to say that something is never or always done or said.

OK. I'm going to get a little stupid. Never use agoin the same clause with a present perfect!

CalifJimOK. I'm going to get a little stupid. Never use ago in the same clause with a present perfect!

OK, and I'm going to take that as a challenge to prove the exception:

From the BYU Corpus:
"Some of the recipe cards are in my mother's handwriting. Others are from friends, many of whom have

I don’t want to add fuel to the already fired up discussion but I was taught as a rule of thumb, that “since” and “ago” usage should be avoided in a present perfect sentence.

I know there is another camp which sees it differently.

I have been living in since 3 years ago –to some this is acceptable. I was taught this is non-standard.
Somehow, the word "ago" just do

Hi Goodman

I don't see the previous conversation as "fired up". On the contrary, I think it has been quite friendly.
I agree that 'ago' will generally not be found in the same clause with the present perfect, but I agree with Cool Breeze one thousand percent that it's dangerous to get too absolute when it comes to grammar "rules".

A good rule of thumb is always han

Hi Amy,
most "rules of thumb" should be seen as rules that work much of the time rather than all the time.
I case I have not stated it clearly, that was the meaning I intended. Perhaps I may have inappropriately used "fired up" to suggests heavily discussed. It was figuratively over used.
I am of course not a grammarian and never will be one. Much of my knowledge has been obtained fr

Hi Goodman.

I have been living in California since 3 years ago = that'll be so unacceptable in my camp.
I have been living in California for the past 3 years. = that's acceptable and will make a student pass their English test in a non-native land.

Yes, the word 'ago' with a present perfect tense, will appear to be a direct translation from a dialect or another language usu

Version 1.1: Never use ago in the same clause with a present perfect except in the phrase long agoused before the past participle!