Page 47 - Grammar for Great Writing B

Common Errors

Common Error 3.1 Do you need simple present or present perfect?

has been
Brasilia is the capital of Brazil since 1960.

RemembeR: If the action began in the past and is still true, use the present perfect. Do not use the
simple present.

ACTIVITY 3 Common Error 3.1

Underline the correct verb.

1. The stock market (is / has been) strong since the beginning of the month.
2. The earth (revolves / has revolved) around the sun.

3. Wimbledon (is / has been) the oldest tennis tournament in the world.

4. These special clocks (have / have had) displays that the blind can read by using the sense of touch.

5. Monarchs (rule / have ruled) Thailand for over 800 years.

6. Due to the short growing season this year, farms in the region (produce / have produced) smaller
crops than usual.

7. Canada (has / has had) two official languages, English and French, since the Official Languages Act
came into effect on September 11, 1972.

8. Humans (do not sneeze / have not sneezed) when sleeping because the reflex that causes a sneeze
cannot send signals to the brain when a person is asleep.

Common Error 3.2 Do you need simple past or present perfect?
announced
At the annual company meeting yesterday, the bank president has announced that the downtown
office will close next month.
have come
Five United States presidents came from the state of Virginia.

RemembeR: • Use simple past with specific past times such as yesterday, last month, and
one year ago.
• Use present perfect with actions that may happen again in the future.

Common Errors 37

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