Quote:
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Originally Posted by Casiopea Speakers use the Present Perfect to place heavy focus on an event. That may be the reason why the phrase 'time is unimportant' tends to be adopted in definitions for the Present Perfect.
Have you eaten lunch?
(I'm asking about the event. Time is not the focus/topic here)
Did you eat lunch?
(I'm asking about the event and the time. The event and the time go hand in hand).
Cas :D |
Your explanation is very useful.
In fact, my example was not a good one: I have visted Dalian several times since I arrived; because we can say "...since July 17, 2002" which makes the past time specific.
The "variation" to the "rule" is allowed by the use of the conjunction "since". I think the "rule" of specific past time being disallowed applies only WITHIN the same clause.
Must do more checking.
