I have been vs I were

The phrases "I have been" and "I were" are not directly comparable because they serve different purposes. "I have been" is the correct form to use when talking about past experiences or actions that have relevance to the present. On the other hand, "I were" is grammatically incorrect in standard English as it should be "I was" for the singular form of the verb "to be."

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 921 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to past experiences or actions that have relevance to the present.

"I have been"

Use "I have been" when you want to talk about something that started in the past and has continued up to the present moment.

Examples:

I have been to Paris three times.
She has been studying English for two years.

Show examples from the web [+]

Present perfect continuous ( I have been working ) - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge ...
Oct 31, 2022 ... What should I do if I have been exposed to someone with COVID-19? · If you have not had COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you can test with either a ...
What if I have been ordered to pay child support? If you are responsible for court-ordered child support payments and are in arrears, the Kansas Department ...
The difference between “I have been” and “I had been” is confusing to learners. This video gives an explanation beyond grammar that will make things clear.

Alternatives:

I was
I had been
I have gone
I have visited
I have traveled

This phrase is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct form for the singular subject "I" with the verb "to be" in the past is "I was."

"I were"

Show examples from the web [+]

If I were Abbott and Costello, this would be fairly traumatic.
If only I were more muscular... like a matador.
Your father and I were classmates at university.
Raffaele and I were at his apartment.
Cappie and I were discussing tonight's Emotional Purge.
When you and I were together...
Rachel and I were... Young.
Justin and I were friends since freshman year in high school.
Louisa and I were agreeing that we should hardly know her.
Peg and I were at the regional meeting of the Knights of Columbus.
Ted and I were very close once.
Well, Willow and I were...
Izzy and I were in the cab.
Ms. Hewes, my father and I were very close.
He and I were cell mates.
Your father and I were great friends, you know.
Erm, even if I were a seamstress, Agnes and I were very different shapes.
So Monica and I were alone.
Teddy and I were never exclusive.
Deanna and I were actually friends.

Alternatives:

I was
I had been
I would be
If I were
I wish I were

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I have been vs I were

"I have been"

"I were"

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