Recently can refer to both a point in time and a period of time. If it refers to a point in time, use the past simple tense:
- He got married recently.✓ (Recently = in the recent past; not long ago.)
If it refers to a period, use the present perfect or present perfect continuous tense (with a difference in meaning.)
The present perfect tense suggests that the event/situation has finished.
The present perfect continuous tense suggests a continuation of the event/situation.
- I haven't done anything recently.✓ (Recently = during the period of time that has just passed.)
- She's been working recently.✓ (Recently = during the period of time that has just passed and still going on.)
Lately can only refer to a period of time. Use only the present perfect or present perfect progressive tense:
- I was very busy lately.❌
- I have been very busy lately.✓
- I have seen a lot of films lately.✓
- I have been spending too much money lately.✓
No comments:
Post a Comment