Switching from simple past to present perfect between sentences

Question

Hello I have a question regarding the usage of tenses(is this the correct word here?): When I generally narrate a story in simple past, can I then use the present prefect to express that an action the narrator is thinking about has started in the past and goes on until now(now being the present of the story). For example is this correct:

"I woke up with a start and sat up straight in an instant. I have had several of these visions of the future by now but it still irritates me whenever I have them."

Wilpeter · Accepted Answer

Anonymous I have had several of these visions of the future by now but it still irritates me whenever I have them."

The method you are using is good. However, this example has an error in it.
You have not used 'by now' correctly. You could substitute 'so far'.
"I have had several of these visions of the future so far, but it still irritates me whenever I have them."
Personally, I would change it slightly: "...but it irritates me that I have them."
The fact that you remember them is what you are discussing.

Lumentus · Answer

Thank you for pointing out that I use "by now" incorrectly there I will substitute it as you suggested.
To your second suggestion: It is not so much that having the "skill" it self that is irritating her, but that after she has witnessed one she is always a little confused of where she actually is. Maybe irritates is the wrong word here, more like confused.

Wilpeter · Answer

I would say that ‘irritates’ has a similar meaning to ‘annoys’ – and that might not be what you mean.  I think you might say, “but it still disorients me when I have them.”  Disorientation is common after dreams.

Lumentus · Answer

wilpeter“but it still disorients me when I have them.”

Thank you for your help again, that sounds and reads nicely to my German mind.

Switching from simple past to present perfect between sentences

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