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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Sentence preference

Which sentence is correct and should I choose?

I have worked very hard for the last year to get this opportunity.

I have been working very hard for the last year to get this opportunity.
  

Top answer

Both are correct. You can choose either one. CB

— Cool Breeze

  • Both are correct.
  • You can choose either one.
  • CB
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8 Answers
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Both are correct. You can choose either one.

CB
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Cool BreezeBoth are correct. You can choose either one.
Thanks a lot. But what is the difference in meaning. Is there any difference?
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AnonymousIs there any difference?
I don't see any difference worth mentioning. The continuous tense perhaps suggests more clearly that you are still trying.

CB

EDIT: ... still working, of course.
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Cool BreezeI don't see any difference worth mentioning. The continuous tense perhaps suggests more clearly that you are still trying.
I see. Does either one suggest that the trying has finished and I got the opportunity. Or do they convey that I am working to get the opportunity?
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AnonymousDoes either one suggest that the trying has finished and I got the opportunity
Now that you mention it, yes, I think the first sentence is better for this meaning. I would actually use the past simple for this meaning: I worked very hard for the past year to get this opportunity.

CB
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Cool Breeze I would actually use the past simple for this meaning: I worked very hard for the past year to get this opportunity.
Got it. So the first sentence (present perfect) and the one you suggested (simple past) fit this meaning, but the present perfect continuous implies that I am still working for it, in this specific example. Have I understood correctl
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People use English, and other languages, differently. There's a lot of disagreement about many things. As I said in my first post, there may not be any difference in the meaning for anyone who utters the sentences. Even the first sentence can be used even if the person has got the opportunity.

In my opinion the past simple would be the best tense if the person has got the opportuni
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Cool BreezePeople use English, and other languages, differently. There's a lot of disagreement about many things.
I agree.
Cool Breeze Even the first sentence can be used even if the person has got the opportunity.
Did you mean here the second sentence? Because I did say that (the first sentence (present perfect) and
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