Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

I have been to the library, and I have gone to the library, what is the difference? (Similarly, I have been to Taipei and I have gone to Taipei.)

Thanks,

bmo

[bud]

To me there is no difference - just two ways of saying the same thing.

[BMO]

It does mean that "HAVE BEEN" is gone and returned, and "HAVE GONE" is gone and have yet to return?

[bud]

Very good question, BMO. The grammar could suggest that possibility, but logic would (in most cases) overrule it. If I am still there, then I would not speak this sentence to anyone else there since the fact is obvious.

It is a possibilty that I could say the sentence on the phone or write it to someone, but in most of these cases it would be much more likely to say, "I'm at the library."

One likely situation is if my friend thought I was headed to a movie (or to Rome). Then I might call or write to say that "I've gone to the library/Taipei." I'm informing him that I changed my mind after we last talked. Then I think it would be likely to use this sentence and also mean that I have not yet returned.

In most cases, though, it will mean that I've gone and returned.

[BMO]

Thanks a lot, the explanation is very clear.

bmo