Correct Forms of "Listen" in English Grammar: 'Had Listened' vs 'Has Listened'
Understanding the correct usage of verb tenses in English grammar is crucial for effective communication. This article aims to clarify the usage of 'had listened' and 'has listened,' which are often confused and incorrectly used. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of when to use each form and how to employ them correctly in both present and past contexts.
The Present Perfect Tense: 'Has Listened'
The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past, but it has relevance to the present. For instance, using the verb 'listen,' the correct form is 'has listened.' This tense is commonly used to express actions that have ended but have current relevance. An example of a correct sentence using this tense is:
He has listened to what she had to say.
This sentence implies that he has heard and considered her message, and it has implications for the present situation.
The Past Perfect Tense: 'Had Listened'
The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed before another past action. It is formed using 'had' followed by the past participle of the verb. For instance, in the sentence, 'She had listened closely but could not hear a thing,' the past participle 'had listened' is used correctly in the context of an earlier action that occurred before the main past action of 'could not hear.'
Examples to Illustrate Correct Usage
"He had listened to the radio for about an hour when it suddenly sputtered and turned off.": This sentence correctly uses the past perfect tense to set up the sequence of events, indicating that he listened to the radio before it stopped working.
"He has practiced the piano for an hour today.:" This sentence uses the present perfect tense to indicate an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present.
Example Sentence Analysis
Let’s analyze the example sentence 'The defendant didn’t know that I had listened to the tapes before taking the stand.' Here, 'had listened' is used correctly as it refers to an action in the past that occurred before another past action (taking the stand).
Alternatively, the sentence 'The witness has listened to the tapes and is prepared to take the stand' correctly uses the present perfect tense to indicate an action that is relevant to the present (being prepared to take the stand).
Conclusion
Both 'had listened' and 'has listened' can be correct, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding the differences between the past perfect and the present perfect tenses can enhance your language skills and help you communicate more effectively. If you still have any doubts or need further clarification, please consult the following video that explains the use of all tenses, including present and past:
By mastering these tenses, you will be able to use 'had listened' and 'has listened' appropriately in your writing and speaking.