Present perfect

Question

Today I came across a sentence in which present perfect was used and I couldn't convince myself why this tense had been used. Could anyone possibly clear up this confusion for me? You have never written to me when you have stayed.

Teechr · Accepted Answer

Where did you find that sentence?

MountainHiker · Answer

When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the present perfect (have been/ have travelled etc.).

English Grammar In Use - Raymond Murphy - See section 8.

Although this underlined action has happened in the past, the person is referring to the past until now.

You have never written (past until now) to me when you have stayed (past until now).

If we look at two different examples, we change the tense.

You always wrote to me when you stayed, except last time in June when you did not.

You never wrote to me when you stayed, except last time in June when you did.

In this instance, everything is in the past.

I hope that helps.

Teechr · Answer

Zohreh Hashemiwhen you have stayed

Unless it means something else in AmE, I take that part to mean "when you have stayed with me". If so, then the sentence is unnatural. Why would a person who is staying (living) with the speaker write (letters) to them?!

Present perfect

You have never written to me when you have stayed.

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