a long time ago,a year ago +present perfect

[ostap77]

"She stayed home from church that Sunday, waiting for him. He never showed up and that's been a year ago."

"I do nt remember there being the first disc all I can tell you, I mean, -- and I swore to tell you the truth. I mean, its been a long time ago, its a confusing time."

Is it OK to use the Present Perfect here?

 

[5jj]

Not really. The speakers are probably running together the ideas of "It's been a long time" and "It was a long time ago".

 

[bhaisahab]

"She stayed home from church that Sunday, waiting for him. He never showed up and that's been a year ago."

"I do nt remember there being the first disc all I can tell you, I mean, -- and I swore to tell you the truth. I mean, its been a long time ago, its a confusing time."

Is it OK to use the Present Perfect here?

In the first one it should be "that was a year ago". In the second it's OK without "ago".

 

[ostap77]

It should be. But that's what I've pulled up from COCAE. Would the speakers use the present perfect on purpose?

Would there be a difference between "It's been a long time/year ago" and "It was ........."?

 

[5jj]

It should be. But that's what I've pulled up from COCAE. Would the speakers use the present perfect on purpose?

I imagine that they probably sat around in dark cellars plotting how they would spring this on an unsuspecting public. I would like to put it on record that I admire their courage,