Since then... which tense do I use?

Question

Is it:Since then I traveled around the world, worked in English-speaking countries, improved my English and worked as a Journalist.orSince then I have been traveling around the world, working in English-speaking countries, improving my English and working as a Journalist.+ is the use of commas right?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

The second tense is the correct one (present perfect progressive). "Have traveled" also works (present perfect).

I believe the commas are okay. You could optionally add one after "English."

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs it:
Since then I traveled around the world, worked in English-speaking countries, improved my English, and worked as a ~~Journalist~~ journalist.

or

Since then I have traveled around the world, worked in English-speaking countries, improved my English, and worked as a ~~Journalist~~ journalist.

or

Since then I have been traveling around the world, working in English-speaking countries, improving my English, and working as a ~~Journalist~~ journalist.

I added another choice for you. All three sound fine to me, though the present perfect seems better after a since phrase. With have traveled, worked, improved, ..., you've done these things and then stopped. With have been traveling, working, improving, ..., you are still continuing to do these things.

CJ

Avangi · Answer

Hi, CJ,
I've been jumping to conclusions again:

Do we have to use progressive tense after "from" as we do after "since" ?

Do you know what the OP is talking about?

Thanks, -A.

CalifJim · Answer

AvangiDo you know what the OP is talking about?

Over on that thread? No, not really. I skipped that one when I was scanning through posts to answer. You certainly don't need a progressive tense after "from now on" or after "from then on", but I'm not sure if that's really what the poster wanted.

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

Is the present perfect used here instead of the past simple because 'since' brings the time up to the present? Or because 'I have travelled' is an experience, which calls for the present perfect?

CalifJim · Answer

English 1b3Is the present perfect used here instead of the past simple because 'since' brings the time up to the present?

Yes. This reason. "Since then" implies the whole period of time from then until now.

Change "Since then" to "After that", and you'll have something that's more in keeping with the simple past.

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

CalifJim
English 1b3Is the present perfect used here instead of the past simple because 'since' brings the time up to the present?
Yes. This reason. "Since then" implies the whole period of time from then until now.

Thanks. Isn't the present perfect also used because he is talking about an experience?

As you know, when you talk about experiences, you use the present perfect. I have travelled to Rome. I have lived in 5 countries. I have climbed Monte Vesuvio. Etc.

Johnson13 · Answer

"Since then" implies the whole period of time from then until now.

I know in UK English SINCE in such a case should be used with the perfect(I'm not sure about US English); the following seems also to be implying from then until, is it old-fashioned English?

eg Since then I saw him only once, until I returned to Trinity in 1944, after he had become Master.

Since then... which tense do I use?

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