in the past forty years

[Lady G]

i have a question
Many inventions in technology in the past forty years.
A. are made B. were made C. have been made D. are being made

i think it canbe "have been made" or "were made". can u help me to choose the right one

[MrPedantic]

Hello Lady G.,

The present perfect often expresses a connection between the present and the past, while the past simple often expresses a completed state or action in the past.

Looking again at the phrase "in the past forty years", and ignoring the fact that these are passive forms, which better suits your example?

Best wishes,

MrP

[Lady G]

i understood what u say . but my problem is that :
in the past : expresses the event happened ( past simple)
in the past 40 years : expresses the event which began in the past and has continued until now.

now i think the answer is "have been made"

[engee30]

i understood what u say . but my problem is that :
in the past : expresses the event happened ( past simple)
in the past 40 years : expresses the event which began in the past and has continued until now.

now i think the answer is "have been made"

To me, the only answer that one could take for granted that it is correct is have been made.

[MrPedantic]

I would agree with both of you.

1. Many things were done in the past 40 years.
2. Many things have been done in the past 40 years.

Some native speakers would find both acceptable; but all native speakers would find #2 acceptable.

Best wishes,

MrP