Learn English – can’t…..since vs. haven’t……since

present-perfectsentence-constructiontime

I read the first sentence on FB (I know, this is not the right place to look for perfect grammar) and would like to know if this is right:

I can't sleep well since last week

I thought a construction like this needs the present perfect 'have been':

I haven't been able to sleep well since last week

The person who wrote the first construction is a native speaker of English which is why I'm so confused. Is it slang or just another way of saying it?

Best Answer

This is a good lesson that you can't always trust what native speakers write. Of course, sometimes it's impossible to know if the odd grammar is just slang or laziness.

You are correct, and the sentence should be:

I haven't been able to sleep well since last week.

to indicate an ongoing condition, or simply

I can't sleep well.

to indicate a present condition.