Re: To Mathew Sir

--- In learningenglish <at> yahoogroups.com, Elly Tjan <elly_tjan <at> y...>
wrote:

> 
> Have you been in Winnipeg.
> 
> Have you ever been in winnipeg.
> 
   There is not much difference, but let me tell you what I can tell
you!

   Have you been in Winnipeg.
   "Have you been in Winnepeg?"  is a freely timed statement.
     Compare:
       Have your been in Winnepeg recently?   [Things have changed!!!]
       Have you been in Winnepeg since the new "X" was built?
         [This is a nice addition to the city.]
       and:
      Have you ever been in Winnepeg?  [It is a beautiful city.]
      ditto:  "I recommend Winnepeg as a good vacation destination.]

    OK....My best guess is that your first sentence seggests that the
person has been to Winnepeg at least once.  Your second sentence
suggests that you are not certain that the person has EVER been to
Winnepeg.
     I judge my answer as being 60 per cent helpful.....

 
    Your key question is the word "ever", which I cannot easily
define.  
Your first sentence suggests additional information to be given.
Your second sentence is "cut and dry" = very definite: yes or no.

    If I ever can understand the best way to teach English to
learners, I will do so.  But for the time being, I will use my
instinct and my intelligence to do my best.
    Matthew

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