May I ask what the logic is behind using present perfect/infinitive + present perfect in "present perfect + since + present perfect" sentences?
it has been a while since I have enjoyed a party this much.
and
It's been a long time since I have read an interesting book.
Why is it not present perfect + past simple? I understand the "it's been" part, since it's something that is still relevant or going on. But if I'm referring to a specific past event, why should present perfect even be considered?
2) Also, I've seen people replace infinitive forms with present perfects:
"You must be surprised to receive a letter from me" = "You must be surprised to have received a letter from me"
Is there such thing as an infinitive present perfect? How is this construction possible?
Please help me understand!
Best Answer
I was reading your statement, and began thinking. And although Hellion is correct when he said:
He forgot a detail.
What if the last time I had read an interesting book was indeed at a specific past event, for example, last month? Hence a completed action, my reading an interesting book, at a definite time in the past.
Could a person then say:
I believe the answer is yes. It is grammatically correct and makes sense.
Here is another example taken verbatim from "A Practical English Grammar" (A.J.Thomson A.V.Martinet):
Which means I have finished attending school (for whatever reason but the most plausible being I have graduated or taken my final year exams) and now I am working i.e. I am not a student any more but currently an employee.