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Seagull Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect v. simple past

#1 Occasionally I come across a book which has been written especially for me and for me only.

#2 Occasionally I come across a book which was written especially for me and for me only.

What is the difference between #1 and #2? Are they pretty much the same? Or, is there any considerable difference in nuance?
  

Top answer

There is not a huge difference, but #1 connects the writing of the book more closely with the present situation. It may be that "which I feel has been / was written" is more appropriate, depending on exact context.

— GPY

  • There is not a huge difference, but #1 connects the writing of the book more closely with the present situation.
  • It may be that "which I feel has been / was written" is more appropriate, depending on exact context.
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4 Answers
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There is not a huge difference, but #1 connects the writing of the book more closely with the present situation.

It may be that "which I feel has been / was written" is more appropriate, depending on exact context.
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I agree with your explanation. I am not sure if you feel the same but this is my opinion. The way the sentence is put together: " Occasionally, I come across ...." sounds sort of odd with the rest of the sentence to me, unless there is more to the context which wasn't shown. Semantically and logically, it has that course feel to it.
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grammarfreakI agree with your explanation. I am not sure if you feel the same but this is my opinion. The way the sentence is put together: " Occasionally, I come across ...." sounds sort of odd with the rest of the sentence to me, unless there is more to the context which wasn't shown. Semantically and logically, it has that course feel to it.
I agree that it
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I understand.
Thank you so much indeed, GPY.
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