[Grammar] Present Perfect

[bhaisahab]

Hello Bhaisahab!

Thanks for your answer!!

This is what I understand:

1)I've had many problems, that's why I haven't had time to check my emails.=> But I'm going to do it as soon as I can.

2)I've had many problems, that's why I didn't have time to check my emails. => In this case, we could be referring to a past period of time (eg yesterday). That's right, in 1/ there is still a possibility that you will do it within the current time period. In 2/ we are referring to something that wasn't done in a period of time that is now finished. But I think I would also use it the same way as 1), maybe influenced by "American" English. Would it be a big mistake for a British ?

Thank you
W

Well, I would consider it a mistake. That's not to say that you won't hear British people say it that way. It's up to you really, how good you want your English to be.

 

[2006]

Hi Will17. I said I hoped not to post again here, but since you posted again I wanted to respond.

1)I've had many problems, that's why I haven't had time to check my emails.=> But I'm going to do it as soon as I can.

2)I've had many problems, that's why I didn't have time to check my emails. =>

In this case, we could be referring to a past period of time (eg yesterday).

If so, one wouldn't use "I've". So as far as I'm concerned, it can't be talking about yesterday.
(See post #6, which I know you have already noted.)
So the sentence is talking about a current time period. Therefore, "I haven't had time..." and "I didn't have time..." have the same meaning. They are both stating the situation up to now, 'I (haven't had)(didn't have) time (yet).
To me, it is very clear that the meanings are the same. Other posters seem to be ignoring the presence of "I've".

bhaisahab still hasn't said what the difference in meaning between the two are. Now he seems to be shifting to saying that thhe sentence with "didn't" is not good English.


Thank you
W

2006

 

[Will17]

By the way, is the use of "For" correct in this case?

"Would it be a big mistake for a British ?"

 

[bhaisahab]

By the way, is the use of "For" correct in this case?

"Would it be a big mistake for a British ?"

"For" is fine, but "a British" is not. Say "a Briton" or "a British person".