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Pleasehelp Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

I've read/I read

I've read an article about that issue. Or

I read an article about that issue.

Basically means the same thing?
  

Top answer

Without a broader context, they mean the same thing. However, the first may suggest that you still have certain knowledge of the issue while the second doesn't suggest that.

— Ivanhr

  • Without a broader context, they mean the same thing.
  • However, the first may suggest that you still have certain knowledge of the issue while the second doesn't suggest that.
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4 Answers
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Without a broader context, they mean the same thing. However, the first may suggest that you still have certain knowledge of the issue while the second doesn't suggest that.
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The two are very similar.

If you start a conversation, "I've read an article on German philosophy", it gives the impression that you are about to tell us more about the article. It is a sort of conversation-starter. You're mentioning something of current interest to you. Maybe you'll get a response like, "Oh, really? I didn't know you were interested in German philosophy".

I
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Hi,

You can also think about this in the context of the more distant past.

Assume that someone says to you,

"I know you went to a philosophy class two years ago. What preparation did you do?"

You could reply 'I read an article on German philosophy'.

You couldn't reply 'I have read an article on German philosophy'.

Cl
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CliveYou could reply 'I read an article on German philosophy'.

You couldn't reply 'I have read an article on German philosophy'.
Excellent point!

pleasehelp: Note this comment of Clive's.

CJ
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