[Grammar] I have this watch since I got married./I have had this watch since I got married.

[mogu]

I know "since" is usually used with a perfect form ahead. However, a verb like "have" or "feel" has the meaning that some state continues even if they are not changed into a perfect form. In such a case, is it possible to use a present form in a main clause instead of a perfect form?

For instance,

I have this watch since I got married.
I have had this watch since I got married.

Which sentence sounds more natural to native English speakers?

 

[Rover_KE]

Only the second sounds natural because the first is incorrect.

 

[mogu]

Do you mean both sentences are normally used and there is no difference between the two?

 

[Barb_D]

How did you draw that conclusion?!

The first one is wrong. It is not natural. It is not used by native speakers. It is incorrect.
The second one is right. It is natural. It is used by native speakers.

 

[mogu]

How did you draw that conclusion?!

The initial post by Rover_KE indicated only "O" for some reason. I guess that Rover might have noticed the fact afterwards and completed the sentence. I thought the "O" signified "correct" like something made by a teacher on a paper test. Anyway, thanks both of you.

 

[mogu]

After I slept on it, now I have one more question to discuss in depth. Does it mean that a perfect form is mandatory in a main clause if you start with "since (signifying continuation after a particular time)" in a subordinate clause without exception? As far as I know, one exception is easily found in many textbooks.

It is ten years since I moved to this town.
It has been ten years since I moved to this town.
(These sentences are replaceable.)

I can find this type of usage in many textbooks, which is also somewhat related to my initial question. Is there any other type of usage similar to this?
I would appreciate if anyone could help with this matter.

 

[mogu]

Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

Though I have continued my last post, nobody answers it. Therefore I created a new thread here.

The question below is cited from my last thread "I have this watch since I got married./I have had this watch since I got married."

/////////////////////////

I have this watch since I got married./I have had this watch since I got married
Read more at https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/subscription.php?do=viewsubscription#CVvAmJsotIMT5FX6.99​

After I slept on it, now I have one more question to discuss in depth. Does it mean that a perfect form is mandatory in a main clause if you start with "since (signifying continuation after a particular time)" in a subordinate clause without exception? As far as I know, one exception is easily found in many textbooks.

It is ten years since I moved to this town.
It has been ten years since I moved to this town.
(These sentences are replaceable.)

I can find this type of usage in many textbooks, which is also somewhat related to my initial question. Is there any other type of usage similar to this?
I would appreciate if anyone could help with this matter.

//////////////////////////

 

[Barb_D]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

I have merged your new thread with the old one. After a few days, it's acceptable to bump your thread. Please don't start a new thread with the same question repeated.

It is flat out wrong to write "I have this watch since I got married."

 

[riquecohen]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

Though I have continued my last post, nobody answers it. Therefore I created a new thread here.

The question below is cited from my last thread "I have this watch since I got married./I have had this watch since I got married."

/////////////////////////

I have this watch since I got married./I have had this watch since I got married
Read more at https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/subscription.php?do=viewsubscription#CVvAmJsotIMT5FX6.99​

After I slept on it, now I have one more question to discuss in depth. Does it mean that a perfect form is mandatory in a main clause if you start with "since (signifying continuation after a particular time)" in a subordinate clause without exception? As far as I know, one exception is easily found in many textbooks.

It is ten years since I moved to this town.
It has been ten years since I moved to this town.
(These sentences are replaceable.) What do you mean by 'replaceable?' If you mean 'interchangeable,' they are not interchangeable. The first one is wrong.

I can find this type of usage in many textbooks, which is also somewhat related to my initial question. Is there any other type of usage similar to this?
I would appreciate if anyone could help with this matter.

//////////////////////////

I hope this settles this matter.

 

[Tdol]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

I am sorry to unsettle the matter, but It is ten years since I moved here is OK in BrE. This is an exception, and could be used in informal language. However, in most cases, like the example with the watch, it cannot be done. Offhand, I can't think of other exceptions.

 

[mogu]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

Thank you very much for your inputs, everyone! The discussions above are of great help for me to understand this matter even better.

"It is ten years since I moved to this town."

The sentence above is not OK in American English but acceptable in British English even if it is informal. Most probably, this is the only exception regarding what I asked about the usage of "since."

 

[MikeNewYork]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

I am sorry to unsettle the matter, but It is ten years since I moved here is OK in BrE. This is an exception, and could be used in informal language. However, in most cases, like the example with the watch, it cannot be done. Offhand, I can't think of other exceptions.

And I will unsettle it even more. In my experience, It is ten years since I moved here is also OK and used in (informal) AmE.

 

[Barb_D]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

And as said previously in this thread, the opinion that it's okay in American English is not universally shared.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Re: Whether using a perfect form before "since" is mandatory or not

And as said previously in this thread, the opinion that it's okay in American English is not universally shared.

Agreed.