Tense

Question

Fewer students have played truant since the new system was implemented.

Can I say "Fewer students have played truant since the new system has been implemented.".

My teacher said "Only the first one is correct one."But she could not say the exact reasons.
In my opinions, I think the second one is better. As the effect of the implementation still exict.

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Vctory OngFewer students have played truant since the new system was implemented.

It's common construction with using Present Perfect in one clause and Past Simple in since-clause.

It has been ages since I saw him.
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In sentence with since we normally use Present perfect and Past Perfect tenses in main clause.

I've known her since 1980.

However, Since can be used as a conjuction of time, introducing its own clause.The tense in the since-clause can be perfect or past, depending on the meaning. Compare these ones:

I've known her since we were in school. (we are no longer in school).

I've known her since I've lived on this street. (I still live here).

You've drunk ten cups of tea since you arrived. (finished action).

You've drunk ten cups of tea since you've been sitting here. (I'm still sitting).

In the basic level we normally use Past tense in since-clause, and this is what I guess your teacher meant. Such using can be reffered to American English, but I don not fine any discrepancy in that and can use it anyway.

I'd rather hear teacher's opinion on this subject.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Simple past tense indicates an action that completed sometime in the past.
The present perfect is an action that started in the past, and is of present interest (it might be complete, but not necessarily)

So the measurement of students' truancy records started in the past, at the time when the new system started, and continues up to the current time.

In order to establish a precise starting point in the pastfor these records, simple past is used. That time is "when the new system was implemented."

Lucus Ong · Answer

Since he passed with flying colours last exam, he become arrogant.(since means after)
Since he has passed with flying colours last exam, he become arrogant.(since means because)

Am I right?
great thanks in advance

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