Why have perfect tenses in English?

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The discussion centers on the nuances between the perfect and simple past tenses in English, particularly the differences in meaning conveyed by sentences like "I was there" versus "I have been there." While the past perfect indicates a completed action, the simple past often refers to specific events. Participants note that the perfect tense can imply ongoing relevance or multiple instances, contrasting with the simple past's focus on singular occurrences. Comparisons with French and German tenses highlight the complexities and subtleties of expressing time in different languages. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the challenges of mastering English tenses and the importance of context in understanding their use.
  • #31
Studiot said:
That is because the correct construction to express this thought would be

"Gadaffi had been the dictator of Libya at the time of the airliner crash in Lockerbee, Scotland."

Well I don't think that sentence is well constructed if you use the present perfect: "...has been...at the time...". I would write it as "Gadaffi has been the dictator of Libya since the airliner crash..." Again, you used the past perfect, which is correct, but that's not what I'm discussing now. My point is that even if you substitute the past perfect for "was", the use of the simple past is clear and is used. Moreover, when you use the past perfect, you should reference another point in the past. "Gaffafi had been dictator of Libya for twenty years before the Lockerbee incident". I discuss these types of sentences in the post you're referencing(#28). Please go back and read my comment re perfect vs imperfect tenses.
 
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