had long since stopped

[Maybo]

We called the police. By the time they arrived an eternal 22 minutes later, the man had long since stopped assaulting the front door.

Source: At Home With the Horrors: 14 Tales by Sammy Scott


Does "long since stopped" mean "since 22 minutes ago"?

 

[emsr2d2]

It means he stopped a long time before the police arrived.

 

[Maybo]

Can I say "...has long stopped..."?

 

[emsr2d2]

Can I say "...has long stopped..."?

Are you asking if you can replace "had long stopped" with "has long stopped" in the original sentence? If so, no. The past perfect is required there because it refers to the time in the past before the police arrived (also in the past).

If you're asking if you can use the phrase in the present perfect tense, then yes.

John: Do you still smoke?
Harry: No! I've long stopped that expensive habit. (I gave up smoking a long time ago.)

 

[Maybo]

Are you asking if you can replace "had long stopped" with "has long stopped" in the original sentence? If so, no. The past perfect is required there because it refers to the time in the past before the police arrived (also in the past).

If you're asking if you can use the phrase in the present perfect tense, then yes.

John: Do you still smoke?
Harry: No! I've long stopped that expensive habit. (I gave up smoking a long time ago.)

I typed wrongly. It should be “… had long gone..”. I’d like to know if “since” can be removed.

 

[Piscean]

It can.