Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marrion]

[1] It has rained.

[2] It has rained for two days.


Does this sentence mean "It started to rain, but now it doesn't rain." at [1]?

Does this sentence mean "It started to rain two days ago, and now it is still raining." at [2] ?

[suesummers]

[1]- Since it doesn't mention days we cannot assume two days unless it's in the context.
[2]- I'll go with your interpretation.
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Centennial College Rocks!

[Marrion]

Does this sentence mean "It started to rain two days ago, but now it doesn't rain." at [1]?

[Marrion]

Oh, I am sorry. I will ask you a question again..

[1] It has rained.


Does this sentence mean "It started to rain, but now it doesn't rain." at [1]?

[redset]

You're right about [1], it means that it was raining before but then it stopped, and this has some effect on the present (for example it just finished, it's wet outside, there's no need to wash your car now etc.)

This form is called the present perfect, and we usually use it to talk about things that finished in the past and have some effect on the present, past experiences ('I have been to Europe' - I travelled to Europe at least once in the past) and for things like news.

[2] is similar but because you mention a length of time (two days), it's actually talking about something which started in the past and is still happening. So 'it has rained for two days' means that it started to rain two days ago, and it is still raining now. 'I have worked here for three years' means you started working at that company three years ago, and you still work there now.

[Marrion]

I got it very perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have another question.
===============================================
[1] I have studied English.


Does the sentence mean "I started to study (in the past), but now I finish studying."?

[suesummers]

Yes!!!
You've got the hang of it.
_________________
Centennial College Rocks!

[Marrion]

Thank you very much!!!


May you be in happiness, ALWAYS!!