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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Present Perfect vs. Past Simple

Hello!
Is it possible to ask "How long were you in America?" if it is known that a person doesn't live in America any more.
And one more. "Why did you move(have you moved) to Spain?" (a person lives in Spain).
Thank you in advance!!!
  

Top answer

How long were you in America? [ person is no longer there ] How long had you been in America? [ before mentioning another place ] How long have you been in America?

  • How long were you in America?
  • [ person is no longer there ] How long had you been in America?
  • [ before mentioning another place ] How long have you been in America?
  • [You're still here ] As for moving to Spain, either question works.
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1 Answers
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How long were you in America? [ person is no longer there ]
How long had you been in America? [ before mentioning another place ]
How long have you been in America? [You're still here ]
As for moving to Spain, either question works.

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