![]() CATEGORIES: BiologyChemistryConstructionCultureEcologyEconomyElectronicsFinanceGeographyHistoryInformaticsLawMathematicsMechanicsMedicineOtherPedagogyPhilosophyPhysicsPolicyPsychologySociologySportTourism |
V. The Present Perfect vs. The Past Simple.
Note 1: The Past Simple is used with ever and never for emotional colouring. · Did you ever hear anything like that? · I never heard such nonsense!
Note 2: The Past Simple is used if reference is made to happenings which are definite in the mind of the speaker, i.e. either because the situation has already been mentioned or because the situation is known to the hearer. · Did you sleep well? · Did you enjoy the book? · What did you say? · I didn't understand (hear) your questions. · Did you see the accident?
Note 3: The Past Simple is always used with «when» and «where», as for other special questions both forms may be used depending on the meaning to be conveyed, though the Past Simple is more common. · When did you buy this book? · Where did you buy this hat? (The place implies the time) · Where have I put the hat? (Where is it now?)
Note 4: We use the past simple to correct an incorrect belief or expectation, or to confirm a correct one. · She is just as beautiful as I imagined. · The area is far more rugged and wild than I expected.
Note 5: We normally use the Present Perfect when we are thinking about past events together with their present results. However, we prefer a past tense when we identify the person, thing or circumstances responsible for a present situation (because we are thinking about the past cause, not the present result). Compare: · Look what John’s given me! (thinking about the gift) · Who gave you that? (thinking about the past action of giving) · Why are you crying? – Granny hit me. · I am glad you were born. · How did you get that bruise? · That’s a nice picture. Did you paint it yourself?
Note 6: Mind the difference: · She has gone to Spain. = She is there now or on her way there. · She has been to Spain. = She has come back from Spain. · She has been in Spain for two weeks. = She is still in Spain.
Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1958
|