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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

? Question about a particular case

Hello Everybody,
I have a question about the usage of Present Perfect Tense in a particular case. May I use this phrase "Why have you done this?"? Please, keep in mind that I am talking about an unspecified time. Is it grammatically correct? Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

Hello Anon, It would only be appropriate to use present perfect if you said it immediately after learning that "it" was done. Note that the "this" also makes the situation more immediate. It seems you are in the middle - timewise or physically - of whatever was done.

— BarbaraPA

  • Hello Anon, It would only be appropriate to use present perfect if you said it immediately after learning that "it" was done.
  • Note that the "this" also makes the situation more immediate.
  • It seems you are in the middle - timewise or physically - of whatever was done.
  • " would be appropriate.
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3 Answers
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Hello Anon,

It would only be appropriate to use present perfect if you said it immediately after learning that "it" was done. Note that the "this" also makes the situation more immediate. It seems you are in the middle - timewise or physically - of whatever was done.

Otherwise, "Why did you do that?" would be appropriate.
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May I use this phrase "Why have you done this?"?
I don't see why not, provided the occasion comes up where it can be used appropriately!

Suppose you are away from your home for several months. While you are away, as a gift to you, your relatives and friends remodel your home. You return to see a brand new kitchen and bathrooms, new furniture, and so on.
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Thank you very much for your prompt reply, CalifJim! Now the subject is much more clear to me. Many thanks! :-)
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