Past Tense and Present Perfect

Question

Hi! Sentence 1 means an action in the past. Sentence 2 means an action in the recent past at an indefinite time and the action is completed or close to completion. Are my interpretations correct? Thanks, Fulvio

1. I enjoyed reading this book.

2. I have enjoyed reading this book.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

yellowstarstruckSentence 1 means an action in the past. Sentence 2 means an action in the recent past at an indefinite time and the action is completed or close to completion.

1. I enjoyed reading this book.
2. I have enjoyed reading this book.

yellowstarstruckAre my interpretations correct?

The part about the time of completion is a little off. Completion is more characteristic of the past than of the present perfect even though the present perfect can express a completed action.

Sentence 1 expresses an action at a definite time in the past which came to an end before the time the sentence is said.

Sentence 2 expresses an action at an indefinite time in the past which is still showing its effects at the time the sentence is said whether it has come to an end or not.

CJ

Past Tense and Present Perfect

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