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Is this rule correct?

when 'for' and 'since' are used in a sentence(in present perfect tense) to show duration of an action they imply that the action is still in progress. Without the 'for', the last sentence suggests that the person doesn't live in Paris anymore and that the action is complete.

I have lived in Paris for two weeks.

I have lived in Paris.

Monica
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  • Which part is the rule? – John Lawler Apr 14 '13 at 17:48
  • "When 'for' and 'since' are used in a sentence(in present perfect tense) to show duration of an action they imply that the action is still in progress. Without 'for' and 'since' the sentence would imply that the action is complete." Eg., I have lived in Paris for two weeks.

    I have lived in Paris.

     – Monica Apr 14 '13 at 17:50
  • The last sentence suggests that the person doesn't live in Paris anymore and that the action is complete – Monica Apr 14 '13 at 17:51
  • There are a number of sentences there, but which part is the grammatical rule you want to know about? Only the first part? Real grammatical rules don't deal with specific sentences; they're general. Like the four senses of the Perfect. – John Lawler Apr 14 '13 at 18:07
  • "When 'for' and 'since' are used in a sentence(in present perfect tense) they imply that the action is still in progress. Without 'for' and 'since' the sentence would imply that the action is complete." _this is a part of a rule or a statement if you like. I wonder if you native speakers agree with it. – Monica Apr 14 '13 at 18:13
  • It's way too specific, unless it implies that 'for' and 'since' are the only words this is true of. And it does call present perfect a "tense", where it should be "construction", but that's a quibble. Lemme think about the applicability. – John Lawler Apr 14 '13 at 18:23

1 Answers1

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Context is king. I have lived in Paris for two weeks could mean that the speaker is no longer living there, but will not normally do so. I have lived in Paris, without further elaboration, will almost certainly mean that the speaker is now living elsewhere.

Barrie England
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