Tenses

Question

I am writing a report as follow :-Mary said that she felt tired in managing the cafe upon John's leaving.  However, she has a bit relieved as John has no longer monitored her work performance or urged her to complete the work tasks.  Please advise if the tenses used are correct?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Mary said that she felt tired in managing the cafe after John left. However, she was a bit relieved, as John was no longer monitoring her work performance or urging her to complete the tasks.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks for your advice.  But just want to know why not using present perfect tense in the second sentences?  it is a past action (no more urging and monitor) and this completed action has connection with the present (feel relieved).  Thanks.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

AnonymousThanks for your advice. But just want to know why not using present perfect tense in the second sentences? it is a past action (no more urging and monitor) and this completed action has connection with the present (feel relieved). Thanks.

Past tense is best for an action that is completely finished and done in the past.
Present perfect is not that cut-and-dry; an action in present perfect can be incomplete.

If you want present perfect, then use a "since" clause:

However, she has been a bit relieved since / because John is no longer there monitoring her work performance or urging her to complete the work tasks.

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