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Voytaszek Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

The old story

As you have already noticed I often ask question about the differne between the Present Perfect and Past Simple, this is the only grammatical issue (besides of the articles) which the Poles struggle with constantly. So here is my question. Are these sentences correct?


1. (in the evening - after the lectures, at home);

Did you meet Vanessa at school, Jon?


2. (the same situation)

Jon, why are you so upset? Haven`t you met Vanessa at school? (sice we`re reffering to the Present we should use the Present Perfect, right?)

  

Top answer

this is the only grammatical issue (besides of the articles) which the Poles struggle with constantly. Many people have trouble with this, including those of us who try to explain the subtleties of usage. 1.

— Clive

  • this is the only grammatical issue (besides of the articles) which the Poles struggle with constantly.
  • Many people have trouble with this, including those of us who try to explain the subtleties of usage.
  • 1.
  • (in the evening - after the lectures, at home); Did you meet Vanessa at school, Jon?
  • OK 2.
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3 Answers
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this is the only grammatical issue (besides of the articles) which the Poles struggle with constantly. Many people have trouble with this, including those of us who try to explain the subtleties of usage.

1. (in the evening - after the lectures, at home);

Did you meet Vanessa at school, Jon? OK


2. (the same situation)

Jon, why are you so upset? Have

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Jon, why are you so upset? Didn't you see Vanessa at school?

Jon is upset because he was expecting to see Vanessa, but he didn't.

We use the simple past to talk about a specific event (completed, or would have been completed if it happened) in the past


Jon can answer: "Yes, I'm upset. I haven't seen her in two weeks. I think she has been avoid

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They are right; however, just because you used the present perfect in the first statement doesn't mean you will have to carry it on.

I'd only use the present perfect if I were to specific a time:

Jon, why are you so upset? Haven't you met Vanessa at school recently?

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