where were you/ where have you been

[constantinusphilo]

where were you/ where have you been

The difference between the two, I think, is that the first refers to a recent situation (where have you been just now) whereas the second to a situation more remote in the past.

 

[emsr2d2]

1. Where were you?
2. Where have you been?

The difference between the two, I think, is that the first refers to a recent situation ("Where have you been just now?") whereas the second refers to a situation more remote in the past.

Note my corrections above. You need to put the words you're asking us about in the main body of your post, not just in your title. Context would dictate which one you use. Please give us some more information.

 

[jutfrank]

where were you/ where have you been

The difference between the two, I think, is that the first refers to a recent situation (where have you been just now) whereas the second to a situation more remote in the past.

You meant to say that the other way round, didn't you?

 

[Yankee]

where were you/ where have you been

The difference between the two, I think, is that the first refers to a recent situation (where have you been just now) whereas the second to a situation more remote in the past.

Depends on context. 1. (A) Hi, sorry I'm late. (B) Where were you? 2. Where were you last Christmas? 2. Where have you been during your 25 year career?

 

[Tarheel]

Bob shows up late for their meeting. Jane says, "Where have you been? I've been waiting for over an hour."

 

[constantinusphilo]

You meant to say that the other way round, didn't you?

Yes, sorry.

 

[jutfrank]

Well, the difference is aspect, as I'm sure you already know.

The present perfect version concerns a time frame leading up to the moment of speaking. The past simple version doesn't. Since the present perfect version points to time leading up to now, it can be used to talk about the recent past, yes.

Ah, there you are! Where have you been? I've been looking for you.

 

[emsr2d2]

Ah, there you are! Where have you been? I've been looking for you.

I'm a big believer in the different usages of tenses but in the example above, you're just as likely to hear the simple past.

Ohhh, there you are! I've been looking for you for over an hour Where were you?!

 

[jutfrank]

I'm a big believer in the different usages of tenses but in the example above, you're just as likely to hear the simple past.

Ohhh, there you are! I've been looking for you for over an hour Where were you?!

Yes, but from a teacher's point of view I don't think that's very helpful. In fact, it's more confusing than anything else. The idea behind my post was to show a context in which the present perfect is highly appropriate, and which I think relates to the OP's conception of the present perfect version relating to the recent past. Using the past simple there, although highly natural, I don't think is an illustrative example of use. This is a strictly pedagogical point, of course.

 

[5jj]

Yes, but from a teacher's point of view I don't think that's very helpful. In fact, it's more confusing than anything else.

I think it would be less helpul to hide the existence of this 'highly natural' use of the past simple.

 

[jutfrank]

I think it would be less helpul to hide the existence of this 'highly natural' use of the past simple.

This is possibly a major point of disagreement, then. I'm happy to discuss this elsewhere, of course, if that's what you're suggesting?

 

[5jj]

No thanks. I have already been awarded my UE Bore of the Year award, and it's only mid-February.