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Dear colleagues,

What is the difference in meaning between the following sentences?

1.You are always nice to me.

2.You have been always nice to me.

Thank you in advance!

15 Jul 2016

yanogator

These are very clear examples of their respective tenses.

The simple present is used for repeated or ongoing action that probably started in the past and continues into the future.

"You are always nice to me" is describing the ongoing relationship between the two people.

She is always happy.

We are always at home.

The present perfect with "always" is used for action in the past that continues to the present, with no implication about the future.

"You have always been nice to me" is a statement of the relationship up to this point (with the hope or expectation that it will continue, or as an observation that it has changed).

She has always been happy (up to now).

I have always lived in Ohio.

Bruce

15 Jul 2016

Apodo

Check word order - it should be:

2.You have always been nice to me.

16 Jul 2016