0
PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Return

I just got back from a trip overseas. And am waiting in line to go through customs.

The custom officer asks: How long have you been gone? - Is this question in the correct tense since I've already returned at that moment?

I reply: I've been gone for half a year. Or I was gone for half a year. Or I had been gone for half a year.

Which is the correct choice?
  

Top answer

Had been gone is incorrect, but you can use either of the other two.

— Philip

  • Had been gone is incorrect, but you can use either of the other two.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
Had been gone is incorrect, but you can use either of the other two.
0
0
I agree with Philip, but since the question was (correctly) asked in the present perfect, I'd answer in the present perfect.

CJ
0
0
CalifJimI agree with Philip, but since the question was (correctly) asked in the present perfect, I'd answer in the present perfect.CJ
Hello CalifJim,

Thanks for clarifying this up for me. In my other post titled Been?, another native speaker told me that the question asked was wrong because I have already returned to the country, so the prese
0
0
PreciousJones In my other post titled Been? ...
I added my opinion to that thread. I don't see a problem with the question or answer.

CJ
0

Related Questions