[Grammar] The 'to' preposition with perfect tenses

[Enchanter]

It is normal to use to instead of in with present perfect. E.g. I have been to London twice.

Question 1) Is it incorrect to say: I have been in London twice. ?

Question 2) Is it required to use to with past perfect as well? E.g. He said he had been to London twice?

 

[jutfrank]

Try to first think which verb phrase you're using.

If you're using 'go to London' (which is usually the case in a sentence like this), then keep the to. If you do this, then been acts as the implied past participle form of go.

However, if you're using the verb phrase 'be in London' (which is possible but unlikely), then in is appropriate, and been acts as the past participle of be.

 

[teechar]

It is [STRIKE]normal[/STRIKE] okay to use to instead of in with the present perfect? E.g., I have been to London twice.

Question 1) Is it incorrect to say: I have been in London twice?

Question 2) Is it [STRIKE]required[/STRIKE] necessary to use towith the past perfect as well? E.g., He said he had been to London twice?

The choice of preposition is not related to the tense.