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Misko Pisko Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

"It's been a while since we've met."

Please what is the difference between:

"It's been a while since we met."
"It's been a while since we've met."

Is the latter one even correct? I've noticed they use it a lot in AE. E.g. I found this at www.quickanddirtytricks.com:

"It's possible to have a simple past tense in the "since" clause, but this usually happens when the event is something that is not going to happen again; for example, "a long time since he died." - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/mixing-verb-tenses#sthash.GN4Q6H5j.dpuf

Or does it meet that I would use past tense if I thought there is not a possibility of meeting again...? Any differences in BE and AE?

Thanks a lot! M.
  

Top answer

" There is no difference in meaning or intent. Misko Pisko Is the latter one even correct? Many grammarians say it is not.

— Mister Micawber

  • " There is no difference in meaning or intent.
  • Misko Pisko Is the latter one even correct?
  • Many grammarians say it is not.
  • Misko Pisko I've noticed they use it a lot in AE That is also true.
  • Misko Pisko It's possible to have a simple past tense in the "since" clause 'Possible'?
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4 Answers
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Misko PiskoPlease what is the difference between:"It's been a while since we met.""It's been a while since we've met."
There is no difference in meaning or intent.
Misko PiskoIs the latter one even correct?
Many grammarians say it is not.
Misko PiskoI've noticed they use it a lot in AE
Tha
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Thank you Mister.
Mister MicawberSimple present after 'since' is the norm.
You probably meant "Simple PAST after 'since' is the norm."
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Misko PiskoYou probably meant "Simple PAST after 'since' is the norm.
Yes, thank you.
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In AE (the form of English I speak), the implication of "It's been a while since we've met" is that meetings are recurring occurences. In other words, this is not about meeting in the sense of making someone's acquaintance, but rather meeting in the sense of gathering for a discussion.

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