how long have/was

[ademoglu]

Hi.

Let's say that I banged my head on the edge of the table very hard and then I blacked out. Now, I am awake and ask my friend this:

1- How long have I been asleep?
2- How long was I asleep?

Should I use the past tense or the present perfect in that situation? I think both are OK, depending on what English (AME, UK) you speak, but I am not sure. Could you please tell me which one is OK?

 

[Rover_KE]

If you knock yourself out, you're unconscious rather than asleep.

They mean the same to me.

 

[GoesStation]

You're no longer unconscious, so the past simple is more natural to me.

 

[Yankee]

"Asleep" would not be the appropriate term in that case. "Out" would be more common.

 

[jutfrank]

If you think you've been out for a short time, the past simple will do. How long was I out?

If you suspect it's been hours or days or longer, the present perfect is better.