was - has been

Question

when can I use (was+p.p) and (has/have been +p.p) I couldn't figure different between those ?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, Toldo—and welcome to English Forums.

Toldowhen can I use (was+p.p) and (has/have been +p.p)

It is the same difference as the general one between simple past and present perfect. You can begin by reading this thread from our FAQs: http://www.EnglishForward.com/English/SimplePastPresentPerfect/krbh/post.htm

CalifJim · Answer

Toldo when can I use (was+p.p) and (has/have been +p.p) I couldn't figure different between those ?

was pp — There is a time gap between the event and the moment of utterance.
has/have been pp — There is no time gap between the two. (This one cannot be used with a phrase or clause that specifies a time.)

The definition of 'time gap' is somewhat of a problem, however. Such a gap is created whenever there is a break of some kind between the past event and the moment of utterance.

1 The break may be created by the death of the agent.

Beethoven's Eroica Symphony was written in the 1800s. (Not has been written. The death of Beethoven creates a gap.)
Many interesting orchestral works have been written by John Adams. (Adams is still alive.)
The telescope was invented by Galileo.
A new kind of transistor has been invented which will revolutionize the world of electronics. (Presumably by engineers who are still alive.)

2 The break may be created by a lapse in interest in the situation. If interest continues, there is no time gap.

The suspects have been spotted at several drugstores in the Richmount area, so please be on the lookout for them. (There is still current interest in the situation. The suspects have not yet been captured. So it's not were spotted.)

3 The break may be created by the fact that the situation no longer exists.

Quite a few women were taken to jail during the suffragette movement. (Women now have the vote. The situation portrayed here is complete. Women are no longer struggling for the right to vote in the U.S.)
Breakfast has been served in this cafe for more than 50 years. (It is still being served there.)
Breakfast was served to President Bush in this cafe. (Bush is no longer president.)

There are other ways that a break may be created.

CJ

Toldo · Answer

Hello Mr. Micawber. Thank you <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Toldo · Answer

Got it. that's it. Thank you CalifJim.

was - has been

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