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Carter Lee Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Why is this wrong sentence?

Hi.
i don't understand about the following sentence.

"When have you bought the computer?"
In the book, it saying like this "it can't be used "when" with present perfect sentence.(Use past to ask "when...")

I don't understand it.
  

Top answer

Hi, We can't use present perfect for specific time. Here, in your sentence, "when" is asking about exact time of buying the computer which is impossible with present perfect. You have to use "did"(past simple) instead.

— Imantaghavi

  • Hi, We can't use present perfect for specific time.
  • Here, in your sentence, "when" is asking about exact time of buying the computer which is impossible with present perfect.
  • You have to use "did"(past simple) instead.
  • Here is an example: I have gone to Paris before.
  • (We don't know when) I went to Paris 3 years ago.
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4 Answers
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Hi,
We can't use present perfect for specific time. Here, in your sentence, "when" is asking about exact time of buying the computer which is impossible with present perfect.
You have to use "did"(past simple) instead.
Here is an example:
I have gone to Paris before. (We don't know when)
I went to Paris 3 years ago.

I hope that helps,

Iman
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imantaghaviYou have to use "did"(past simple) instead.
so the way best is
"when did you buy the computer?"
right?
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sameeeraliso the best way is "when did you buy the computer?"right?
YES.
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thanks
and happy to follow you
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