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"I was a student" vs "I have been a student"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I have been a student' is used to indicate that the person has been a student for a period of time up to the present moment, emphasizing the continuity of the experience. 'I was a student' is used to talk about a past period when the person was a student, without any implication about the present.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

I was a student

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a past period when the person was a student.

This phrase is used to refer to a specific time in the past when the person was a student, without any implication about the present.

Examples:

  • I was a student at that school when I was younger.
  • She was a student before she started working.

Alternatives:

  • I used to be a student.
  • I studied as a student.

I have been a student

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the person has been a student for a period of time up to the present moment.

This phrase is used to emphasize the continuity of the experience of being a student up to the present moment.

Examples:

  • I have been a student for five years.
  • She has been a student at this university since 2010.

Alternatives:

  • I have studied as a student.
  • I have been attending classes as a student.

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