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wowenglish1

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2006
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Korean
Home Country
South Korea
Current Location
South Korea
I would like to know the difference between "1" and "2".
1. I'm sorry I kept you waiting.
2. I'm sorry I have kept you waiting.
 
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mykwyner

Key Member
Joined
May 13, 2005
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
You would use sentence 1 (the simple past) if the waiting ended some time ago.

I'm sorry I kept you waiting yesterday. I'll be more prompt today.

You would use sentence 2 (the past perfect) if the waiting is relevant to the immediate present.

I'm sorry I have kept you waiting. I'm ready now.
I'm sorry I have kept you waiting. I'll be ready in five minutes.
 
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