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Tsuyoshi Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

past tense or present perfect tense

Hello, teachers.

John studied in France from 1990 to 1996; for 6 years.
He is now good at speaking French.

In this situation, could I say like below?

John studied in France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently.

or

John has studied France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

John studied in France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently. Fine John has studied France for 6 years... This would mean he studied the country, not the language, and not necessarily in France.

— Blue Jay

  • John studied in France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently.
  • Fine John has studied France for 6 years...
  • This would mean he studied the country, not the language, and not necessarily in France.
  • Edit- Did you mean John has studied in France...
  • If so, the difference would be that this one would suggest he is still there, or at least only just left, which wouldn't match the circumstances you described.
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3 Answers
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John studied in France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently. Fine
John has studied France for 6 years... This would mean he studied the country, not the language, and not necessarily in France.
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Thank you for your comment.
I mean, 'John has studied "in" France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently."
Thank you.
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TsuyoshiIn this situation, could I say ...
John studied in France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently.
or
John has studied in France for 6 years, so he can speak French fluently.
Use the first one because there is a time gap between his finishing studying in France and the present moment.

....
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