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Diamondrg Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

present perfect versus simple past

After lunch I want us to take up the discussion ----.

A) where we left off
B) where we have left off

Which one is correct? Why?
  

Top answer

A

  • A
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5 Answers
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I think both are ok. But we'd be more likely to say "where we left off". It doesn't change the meaning of "where we have left off" - actually we'd say "where we've left off" rather than "we have", but in English, if a word can be omitted, then it's good practice to omit it.
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we have left off means not too far from now in the past

left off is better here, IMO.
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The present perfect is not used with a definite point in time, even if that point in time is not explicitly stated.

After lunch I want us to take up the discussion at the point where we were at the time [we left off / *we have left off].

Implicit statement within the larger one:

We left off at that time.
*We have left off at that time.


C

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