General Forum
Start a New Topic 
Author
Comment
Past perfect and listings

Is it acceptable to drop 'have' when listing in the past? In my English book a school report listing the achievements of the year omits 'have'. ['We are proud to report another successful year in all areas at the school. Starting with sports, our football team won (NOT have won) the county Schools Trophy for the second year running. And in athletics, Sarah Mayhew broke [NOT has broken] the junior national 800 metre record. The end-of year school concert...' I would be most grateful if someone could offer an explanation.

Re: Past perfect and listings

Firstly, 'have won' is PRESENT Perfect, not Past Perfect.

"a school report LISTING the achievements of the (past) year."

The headmaster died.
4th form blew up the chemistry lab.
We won the football trophy.

Why would we use the Present Perfect?

Re: Past perfect and listings

Many thanks, Claire. Of course, a lot clearer now.