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We know that one common use
for the present perfect
tense is in showing actions or situations
that began in the
past and continued until now. Sometimes,
however, this
use is confusing--because some verbs
are not normally
used to show a continuing action.
If a verb shows an
action or
situation that happens
only once, you cannot
usually use
it for
present perfect sentences
with since
or for.
Here are some common examples:
| "One-Time Verb" |
|
"Continuing
Verb" |
| get married / engaged |
|
be
married / engaged |
| get a divorce / divorce |
|
be
divorced |
| meet |
|
know |
| move |
|
live |
| buy / get |
|
have
/ own |
| receive / get |
|
have |
| arrive / come |
|
be
/ stay |
| begin / start to verb |
|
have
/ has verb
(past participle) |
| stop / quit + verb
+ -ing |
|
not
have / has verb
(past participle) |
| leave / go |
|
not
be / stay / live |
| put on |
|
have
on |
| catch cold |
|
have
a cold |
get / come down with
(an illness) |
|
have
(an illness) |
| become / get |
|
be |
| borrow / lend |
|
have |
For all of the verbs shown
above (and there are others),
the "one
time" verbs cannot usually be used with since
or for
to show a past action
or situation continuing until
now. Instead,
the "continuing" verb is normally used.
Examples:
They got married / engaged
two years ago. /
They have been married / engaged for
two years /
since
1997.
They got a divorce / divorced
two years ago. /
They have been divorced for
two years / since
1997.
I met Dave about five years
ago.
I have known Dave for about
five years /
since
1996.
They moved to Chicago several
months ago. /
They have lived in Chicago for
several months.
She bought / got / purchased
her new car last month. /
She has had / has owned her new car
for about a month.
We received / got your letter
two days ago. /
We have had your letter for
two days /
since
the day before yesterday.
etc.
_______________________________________________
The following sentences are
not logical. To understand
why,
see the Special Note below.
*They have gotten married
/ engaged for two years.
*They have divorced / gotten
divorced since 1997.
*I have met Dave since 1996.
*They have moved to Chicago
for several months.
*She has bought her new car
for several weeks.
*We have received your letter
since the day
before yesterday.
*He has arrived here for three
days.
*She has gotten a headache
for three hours.
_______________________________________________
Special
Note:
Some of the "one time"
verbs can be used with present
perfect tense
and for, but the meaning
is
special:
They have moved to Chicago
for several months =
They have
moved to Chicago, but after several months,
they will leave.
They have borrowed my car
for a month =
They have borrowed my car
but will return it
after a month.
He has arrived here for three
days =
He has arrived here and will stay
for
three days and then leave.
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