Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raewon]

I have a question about the verb tense in the following sentence that was written by a native speaker.

In 2009, researchers at the University of Ohio in the US have developed a method to use DNA to create microchips that are more energy efficient.

Shouldn't "have developed" be "developed" because of the time reference (In 2009)?

Thanks if you can confirm this.

[ChopChaeJoe]

It's a matter of style. Two thousand and nine is still the recent past and so would qualify for use in perfect tense. Studying a single sentence out of context though really wouldn't tell you which form has better 'ear.'

[some waygug-in]

2009 isn't an exact time either, if it had said on June 5th, 2009 then I would agree with you.

It's just saying sometime during that year, so the perfect tense is perfectly acceptable.

[DomesticPelican]

There is no University of Ohio.

There is an Ohio State University and an Ohio University (my Alma Mater)



I would think that the "have" is unnecessary in the sentence.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

The only kind of situation where that kind of sentence would seem appropriate to me would be if the article/whatever was supposed to be read something ongoing or as part of a series. For example:

"New developments in computer science take place all the time. Last year, they made chips tinier. In 2009, researchers have developed...."

or in response to a question/query/thesis:

-"What have they done this year?"
-"Well, in 2009, they have developed a method...."

It would sound less awkward if you threw in a few adverbs (have already developed, have recently developed, etc.)

[thecount]

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

thecount, I tend to agree with you, that construction seems most likely to appear from a journalist.

Also, the phrase "superior construction" made me giggle, and your name made your post seem to come from a purple puppet with a stereotypical Transylvanian accent. Which really, is how all posts should be read.

[ontheway]

[thecount]

Reisen, I must admit that he was my most beloved Sesame Street character.
When I found out, two decades later, that he was foulmouthed (search "The Count Censored" on Youtube), I realized why.

Also, your name reminds me of Wise Guys
(http://www.graces-cafe.net/forum/vbtube_show.php?do=tube&tubeid=119)

Try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivHcbxAtkZ4 is the first link isn't available in your region

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

Woooow Wise Guys is great.

This is where my name actually comes from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt-dpBIxIg0
"Wenn ich rastlos bin,
bist du die Reise ohne Ende"
=
"When I am restless,
You are the endless journey"

Anyway I will hijack no longer ^^