What is the difference between have been and was

This form is used to refer to that started in the past and is still continuing in the present. This form is used to refer to an action or an event which was going on at some time in the past. But it does not talk about the present status of that event. We should make efforts to grasp more knowledge about words and then use legitimately. The simple past tense is used when a new action takes place in the middle of a longer action taking place in the past tense.

This form is used to refer to something which had started in the past and is still continuing in the present tense. Difference Between Has Been and Was. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 Kaushik, Nimisha. This also implies someone else is expecting or will approve the work.

You use "was" past tense for the events that occurred at a known time in the past and ended in the past. You use "have been" present perfect tense for the events that occurred in an undefined time in the past and they or may not still last.

The problem with your use of "have been" is the event is not continuing from the past so better usage would be simple past, "was". Both sentences refer to a task taking place only in the past.

But then again, both refer to an event, not a thing, so technically should be past perfect. Sign up to join this community.

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