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Lilwilly Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Passive

could anyone tell me what is the difference between the sentences mentioned below as i'm confused and i do not really know when and how to use them in the correct way...

1- I have been told to leave the hotel

2- I was told to leave the hotel
3- How do the above sentences differ from " I had been told to leave the hotel''

thanks,
  

Top answer

They're all passive, as you know. 1. is present perfect.

— Avangi

  • They're all passive, as you know.
  • 1.
  • is present perfect.
  • You were told in the very recent past.
  • 2.
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2 Answers
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They're all passive, as you know.

1. is present perfect. You were told in the very recent past.

2. is simple past tense. You were told at some time in the past. (maybe recently, maybe long ago)

3. is past perfect. You were told before some specific past tense event:

I didn't want to tell you yesterday, but I had been told to leave the hotel.

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#1 implies that the consequences of being told are not yet complete (e.g. you're preparing to leave but haven't yet left).

#2 typically means that the consequences of being told are now complete (e.g. it happened last week, last year), but it could also be used in the same circumstances as #1.

#3 means that the event happened further back in time than some other past even
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