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It is ... + since

 
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hela



Joined: 02 May 2004
Posts: 420
Location: Tunisia

PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 7:24 am    Post subject: It is ... + since Reply with quote

Dear all,

1) Would you please tell me if the following constructions are correct in English ? and if yes, is there a difference between them?

a) It is a long time since I saw you.
b) It has been a long time since I saw you.
c) It was a long time since I saw you.
d) It was a long time since I had seen you. (incorrect ?)

2) Would it be possible for you to give me exercises on that point of grammar?

Thanks a lot,
Hela
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bud



Joined: 09 Mar 2003
Posts: 2111
Location: New Jersey, US

PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 12:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1. I'm not postive about the first one, but I think it is correct. I don't think many would say it that way, though. The other three are correct. The first two mean the same; you are now greeting that person for the first time in a long while. The last two are also an equivalent pair; the break in your contact ended in the past, not today.

In some cases, such as these, while there is a technical difference in the tense you choose, for practical purposes there is no difference.

2. I wish I had a good reference for you, but I don't.
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