in the north/to the north

[salitre]

I know the correct phrase is the second one, but I´d like to know why.
Thank you very much.

I've been in the north of Argentina but not in the south.
I've been to the north of Argentina but not to the south.

[englishhobby]

It's because of the native speakers who use the variant with "to".

[bhaisahab]

I know the correct phrase is the second one, but I´d like to know why.
Thank you very much.

I've been in the north of Argentina but not in the south.
I've been to the north of Argentina but not to the south.

Both are correct.

[TheParser]

[QUOTE=salitre;836597]

I've been in the north of Argentina.
I've been to the north of Argentina.


NOT A TEACHER


(1) Some people (I repeat: some people) say there is a little difference:

(a) I have been in northern Argentina. = emphasizes location and time. You may been a resident there for a while.

(b) I have been to northern Argentina. = emphasizes destination and movement. Suggests that you were a visitor.

***

Have you ever been to Beijing? Oh, yes! I was there for the 2008 Olympics.

Have you ever been in Beijing? Yes, I have. I studied Mandarin there for two years.