Hilin Roman
Help me, please!
I wonder if I can say "I have played bridge (card game) once". Is it correct? or Must I use only past simple "I played bridge once"?
Nov 11, 2017 2:37 PM
Comments · 3
It depends on the emphasis. For example:
a) I played it once (in the past) but I didn't like it. I am not interested in playing it again.
b) I have played it once (at some point in my life). I am not sure if I will play it again - who knows?
In b), you could also use "played" (past simple) and many US English speakers prefer this option. Either is correct.
In a), it would feel a little unnatural for native speakers to use the present perfect because of the inconsistency with the tense of "didn't like".
November 11, 2017
I'm not a native English speaker but as far as my knowledge of English goes, " I have played bridge once" is a better choice in this case. Simple past tense is usually used if there is an adverb of time. for instance, "I played bridge yesterday."
November 11, 2017
Good point to know, Michael! Thanks. :) ... Natives always have some hints and I'd love to learn from them.
November 11, 2017
Hilin Roman
Language Skills
English, Russian, Ukrainian
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like
How Using a Recording Device/App Can Help You Speak Like a Native English Speaker
96 likes · 25 Comments
Learning Slang and Phrasal Verbs to Communicate With Native English Speakers
119 likes · 28 Comments
Everyone Loves Idioms, But Did You Know…
75 likes · 55 Comments
More articles
