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Maisiedaisie Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Until now - use of present perfect

I want to paraphrase the sentence below:

The true reasons of his death remain unknown.

Can I write a or b?

a) The true reasons of his death are unknown until now.
b) The true reasons of his death have been unknown until now.

I would prefer b, because I think that the present perfect is used for time spans up to now. However, I am confused because in the original sentence the present perfect isn't used either.
I am also not sure whether I can use until now at all in this sentence.

Can anybody help?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Hi, Neither of your two versions really works. Just say 'The true reasons for his death are still unknown'. Best wishes, Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, Neither of your two versions really works.
  • Just say 'The true reasons for his death are still unknown'.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,

Neither of your two versions really works.



Just say 'The true reasons for his death are still unknown'.



Best wishes, Clive
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