Friends for Years (J9A)
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EN: The present perfect tense ('have/has + past participle') is used here with 'how long' to ask about the duration of an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment.
How long have you lived in this city?
EN: When playing musical instruments, the definite article 'the' is typically used before the name of the instrument (e.g., 'play the guitar', 'play the piano').
He has been learning to play the piano since last year.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, asking about hobbies and how long someone has been practicing them (like playing an instrument) is a very common and polite way to make small talk and build rapport.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment.
I have lived in Taipei for five years.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used with a period of time (e.g., 'about three years') to show the duration of an action or state.
She has studied English for ten years.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have/has + past participle') is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present. The verb 'know' is a stative verb, which means it is not typically used in the continuous form.
I have known him for five years.
EN: 'Since' is used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause indicating the starting point of an action or state. The verb in the 'since' clause is typically in the simple past tense.
They have lived here since they got married.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have been') is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. In this sentence, 'have been friends' indicates that the friendship began in the past and they are still friends now.
We have been classmates since we entered junior high school.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'for a long time' is used with the present perfect tense to specify the duration of an ongoing state or action.
They have lived in this city for a long time.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. 'Have studied' indicates that the action of learning English began in the past and is still ongoing.
I have lived in Taipei for five years.
EN: 'Since' is used as a preposition or conjunction to introduce the starting point of an action or state that continues to the present. It is typically followed by a specific point in time (e.g., 'since 2010') or a noun phrase representing a life stage (e.g., 'since elementary school').
She has been a vegetarian since high school.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, 'elementary school' (or 'primary school') typically covers kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade (ages 5 to 11). Mentioning 'since elementary school' is a common way to emphasize that one has been doing something for a very long time, dating back to childhood.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present. It is often paired with 'since' to indicate the starting point of the action or state.
I have lived in Taipei since 2015.
EN: The conjunction 'since' is used to introduce a specific point in time in the past. It can be followed by a noun phrase (e.g., 'since last year') or a subordinate clause in the simple past tense (e.g., 'since I was born').
She has worked at this company since she graduated.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (has/have + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. The preposition 'for' is used to indicate the duration of this action.
Ryan has lived in this city for ten years.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have loved') is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. 'Love' is a stative verb, so it is used in the simple present perfect form rather than the continuous form.
I have loved music since I was a child.
EN: 'Since' is used as a preposition followed by a specific point in time in the past ('my first class') to indicate when the action or state began.
She has worked here since 2020.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. In this sentence, 'have collected' indicates that the hobby of collecting stamps began in the past and is still ongoing.
I have lived in this city for five years.
EN: The preposition 'since' is used to specify the starting point of an action or state that continues into the present. It is typically followed by a specific point in time (e.g., 'last summer', '2010') or a clause in the simple past tense.
She has worked here since 2020.
EN: Stamp collecting (philately) is a classic hobby worldwide. In English-speaking countries, mentioning a hobby with the present perfect tense ('I have collected...') is a common way to share personal interests and invite further conversation about one's collection or experiences.
EN: The present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is used here with 'yet' in a negative sentence to indicate that an action has not happened up to the present moment, but is expected to happen in the future.
I have not finished my homework yet.
EN: The adverb 'yet' is commonly placed at the very end of negative sentences or questions in the present perfect tense to emphasize expectation.
Has the train arrived yet?
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. The verb 'be' (been) indicates a state of being.
We have been friends since we were children.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used with a period of time (e.g., three years) to show duration, while 'now' is added at the end of the sentence to emphasize that this duration extends up to the current moment.
They have lived in Paris for five years now.
EN: The idiom 'time flies' is a common expression meaning that time seems to pass very quickly, especially when one is busy or having fun. It is often used with the conjunction 'when' to specify the circumstance.
Time flies when you are having a good conversation with friends.
EN: The phrase 'have fun' is used to describe enjoying oneself. The adverb 'so much' acts as an intensifier before the noun 'fun' to emphasize the high degree of enjoyment.
We had so much fun at the amusement park yesterday.
EN: The phrase 'time flies' is a translation of the Latin proverb 'tempus fugit', which has been used in English literature for centuries to express the fleeting nature of time, especially during enjoyable moments.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present. It is often paired with 'since' to indicate the starting point of the action.
I have lived in Taipei since 2015.
EN: The conjunction 'since' can introduce a time clause (subject + verb in the simple past tense) to mark the specific point in time when the action in the main clause began.
She has studied English since she entered junior high school.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (has/have + past participle) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present. The preposition 'for' is used to specify the duration of this state.
They have lived in this house for ten years.
EN: The word 'family' is a collective noun. In American English, it is usually treated as a singular noun (taking the singular verb 'has'), focusing on the family as a single unit.
My family has a strong tradition of gathering on Sundays.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. It is often paired with 'since' to indicate the starting point of the action.
I have lived in this city since I was a child.
EN: The conjunction 'since' introduces a subordinate clause indicating the starting point in time. The verb in the 'since' clause is typically in the Simple Past tense (e.g., 'was') because it refers to a specific point in the past.
She has played the piano since she entered elementary school.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have + past participle') is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present. The verb 'know' is a stative verb, which is not typically used in the continuous form.
I have known Hana since we were children.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used with a duration of time (e.g., 'for my whole life', 'for ten years') to show how long a state or action has lasted.
They have lived in this town for five years.
EN: In close-knit communities or small towns, it is common for people to know their neighbors for their entire lives. This sentence reflects a sense of deep community connection and stability that is highly valued in traditional neighborhood cultures.
EN: The present perfect tense (has/have + past participle) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present. It is often paired with 'since' to indicate the starting point of the state.
We have been classmates since junior high school.
EN: The adjective 'close' is used with the preposition 'to' to describe a relationship of intimacy or strong friendship between people.
Sarah is very close to her sister.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, 'kindergarten' is the first official year of schooling (usually around age 5 or 6) before first grade. Friendships that last 'since kindergarten' are highly cherished as lifelong bonds.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues up to the present. The preposition 'for' is used to indicate the duration of this state.
We have lived in this city for ten years.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used to connect two noun phrases ('our secrets' and 'dreams') that function together as the compound direct object of the verb 'shared'.
She loves reading books and writing stories.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have studied') is used with 'since' to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. 'Since' introduces the specific starting point in the past, which is often expressed using a clause in the simple past tense ('started').
I have lived in Taipei since I graduated from university.
EN: The adverb 'hard' is used to modify the verb 'study' to mean with great effort or energy. Note that 'hard' is both an adjective and an adverb; 'hardly' is a different adverb meaning 'scarcely' or 'almost not'.
She worked hard to support her family.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, the school system is divided into elementary school, middle school (or junior high school), and high school. 'Junior high school' typically refers to grades 7 to 9 (ages 12-15), which represents a significant transition period for students as academic expectations increase.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have/has + past participle') is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. In this sentence, 'have supported' indicates that the support began on the first day and has ongoing relevance or continues now.
My parents have supported my dreams since I was a child.
EN: The preposition 'since' is used to indicate the starting point of an action or state that continues to the present. It is typically followed by a specific point in time (e.g., 'my very first day') or a clause in the simple past tense.
They have lived in this city since 2015.
EN: In Western academic settings, the relationship between students and teachers is often supportive and encouraging. Expressing gratitude to teachers for their guidance from 'day one' is a common and highly appreciated sentiment.
EN: The adjective 'thankful' is commonly followed by the preposition 'for' to indicate the reason or the recipient of one's gratitude. It is often used in the pattern: 'be thankful for + noun/gerund'.
I am thankful for your help during the move.
EN: The relative pronoun 'who' introduces a defining relative clause ('who has been part of my life') that modifies the pronoun 'everyone'. Inside the relative clause, 'has been' is in the present perfect tense, indicating a state that started in the past and continues to the present.
She appreciates everyone who supported her project.
EN: Expressing gratitude for the people in one's life is a common sentiment in English-speaking cultures, often associated with reflection, Thanksgiving, or personal milestones. It emphasizes community and interpersonal relationships.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have/has' + past participle) is used here with 'how long' to ask about the duration of an action or state that started in the past and continues into the present. The verb 'had' is the past participle of 'have' (meaning to own/possess).
How long have you lived in this apartment?
EN: Direct address: When addressing someone directly by name at the end of a sentence, a comma is placed before the name (e.g., ', Ryan'). This separates the main clause from the vocative (the person being addressed).
Where are you going, Emma?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, pets (especially dogs and cats) are often considered full members of the family. Asking about someone's pet is a very common and friendly way to build rapport and show interest in their personal life.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present. In this sentence, 'have had' indicates that the ownership of the pet began two years ago and still continues now.
I have had this watch for five years.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used with a period of time (e.g., 'two years') to express the duration of an action or state in the present perfect tense.
Emma has lived in London for three years.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues up to the present. The verb 'want' is a stative verb, which is commonly used in the simple present perfect rather than the present perfect continuous.
I have wanted to visit Japan for years.
EN: The conjunction 'since' is used to introduce a starting point in time. When followed by a clause, the verb in the 'since'-clause is typically in the Simple Past tense (e.g., 'was') to mark a specific point in the past.
She has lived in London since she graduated from college.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here in its interrogative form ('Have you + past participle') to ask about an action that started in the past and continues up to the present.
Have you lived in this city for a long time?
EN: 'Since' is used as a preposition followed by a specific point in time (e.g., 'last year') to indicate the starting point of an action or state that has continued until now.
I have been busy since Monday.
EN: The present perfect tense ('have/has' + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. It is often accompanied by 'since' to indicate the starting point.
I have lived in this city since 2015.
EN: The preposition 'since' is used to specify a particular point in time in the past (e.g., a month, a year, or a specific event) from which an action or state has been ongoing.
She has been sick since yesterday.
EN: The present perfect tense in its negative form ('have not + past participle') is used here to describe an action (practicing) that has not occurred during the period from a specific point in the past (the exam) up to the present moment.
I have not seen Emma since last week.
EN: 'Since' is used as a preposition followed by a specific point in time (in this case, 'the exam') to indicate the starting point of an action or state that continues up to the present.
They have lived here since 2018.
EN: In English-speaking academic cultures, 'the exam' often refers to a major assessment (like midterms or finals) that requires intense preparation. Once it is over, students typically experience a period of relaxation or a temporary drop in their regular study/practice routines, which is a universally understood sentiment.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (has/have + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. Since the subject 'My sister' is third-person singular, we use 'has worked'.
Emma has lived in this city for five years.
EN: The preposition 'since' is used to specify the starting point of an action or state that continues into the present. It is typically followed by a specific point in time (e.g., a month, a year, or a past event).
Ryan has played the drums since March.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. In this sentence, 'have saved' indicates that the action of saving money began months ago and is still ongoing.
I have lived in this city for five years.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used to indicate a duration of time (e.g., 'for months', 'for two years'). It answers the question 'How long?'.
She has studied English for three years.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. It emphasizes the duration or the ongoing state of waiting.
We have lived in this house since 2015.
EN: The preposition 'since' is used to indicate the starting point of an action or state that continues into the present. It is typically followed by a specific point in time (e.g., winter, last year, 9 AM).
I have been awake since 6 AM.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. It is often paired with 'for' to indicate the duration of the action.
I have lived in this city for five years.
EN: The phrasal verb 'look forward to' means to feel excited about something that is going to happen. Note that 'to' is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (V-ing).
She is looking forward to meeting you.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
Time passes surprisingly quickly.
To feel excited and happy about something that is going to happen.
Having a strong, friendly, or loving relationship with someone.