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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
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
2
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
1
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
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