[Grammar] He has/has had twenty years' experience...

[NAL123]

1) He has had twenty years' experience in teaching English.

2) He has twenty years' experience in teaching English.

What is the difference between 1) and 2)?

 

[GoesStation]

There's little difference between them as isolated sentences. Context would determine whether one or the other was preferable.

 

[NAL123]

There's little difference between them as isolated sentences. Context would determine whether one or the other was preferable.

Does the main verb "has" mean possession in both 1) and 2)?

 

[GoesStation]

Does the main verb "has" mean possession in both 1) and 2)?

The verb does, yes. The word "has" is an auxiliary in sentence one.

 

[NAL123]

The verb does, yes. The word "has" is an auxiliary in sentence one.

Does sentence 1) mean the person possesses the experience for some time, as opposed to his possession of that experience right now in sentence 2)?

 

[tedmc]

Does sentence 1) mean the person possesses the experience for some time, as opposed to his possession of that experience right now in sentence 2)?

There is no difference looking at the sentences at face value as GStation said. Whatever experience the person possesses now is from his previous work, isn't it?

 

[Tdol]

Does sentence 1) mean the person possesses the experience for some time, as opposed to his possession of that experience right now in sentence 2)?

This distinction is very unclear. I would use the second in most cases. The first could fit in certain texts when you're talking about someone's life and other things about them.