We had/have had
I have made up the sentences below.
(1a) Our business had been quite slow for a long time. However, starting five weeks ago, we had more sales again.
(1b) Our business had been quite slow for a long time. However, starting five weeks ago, we have had more sales again.
Most of my non-native English speaking friends think "we had" is correct because an increase in sales started in the past. I am not sure if they are correct. I think "we have had" sounds better to me.
Please help me. Thanks very much.
Top answer
Presumably the increase in sales has continued because you say "starting", but you never say that this trend stopped. With that in mind, the present perfect 'have had' is the better choice. It implies a continuation of more sales into present time.
- Presumably the increase in sales has continued because you say "starting", but you never say that this trend stopped.
- With that in mind, the present perfect 'have had' is the better choice.
- It implies a continuation of more sales into present time.
- 'had' suggests that the period of time that you had more sales is finished.
- It says nothing about what happened since then.
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Presumably the increase in sales has continued because you say "starting", but you never say that this trend stopped.
With that in mind, the present perfect 'have had' is the better choice. It implies a continuation of more sales into present time. 'had' suggests that the period of time that you had more sales is finished. It says nothing about what happened since then.
CJ
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