Please help me explain the Present Perfect

[RonBee]

Re:

• I've not been able to remember that time.

More natural, IMO, would be either I can't remember that or I don't remember that. (Susie also made a couple of good suggestions.)

I think the abverb very much can be put either in front of or after the verb phrase (although putting it afterwards would be more common). Example: "I very much like my friends."

Originally Posted by blacknomi

I have a list of verbs that don't lend themselves well to the progressive/continuous tense.

I don't want to put you out, but would it be possible for you to send it to me?

[Casiopea]

Thanks a lot, Cas. Your explanation is going to help me explain this to him,

You're welcome. :D

..., but I still think it would sound more natural in the present tense, as

I can't remember that far back, or
I'm not able to remember that time.

Those work well, too; Given the context (i.e. when I was two), though, ".., but I was too young (at that time) to (be able to) remember" works even better. :D

Originally Posted by Casiopea

You're welcome. :D

Those work well, too; Given the context (i.e. when I was two), though, ".., but I was too young (at that time) to (be able to) remember" works even better. :D

Good suggestion! Thanks. :D