When have you been vs When were you

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'When have you been' is used to inquire about someone's recent activities or whereabouts, while 'When were you' is used to ask about a specific time in the past. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 231 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about someone's recent activities or whereabouts.

"When have you been"

This phrase is used to ask about what someone has been doing or where they have been recently. It implies a connection to the present time.

Examples:

When have you been to the new restaurant?
When have you been studying for the exam?
When have you been working on this project?

Show examples from the web [+]

Since when have you been a smoker?
My husband.Where and when have you been happy more than ever?
Where and when have you been happy more than ever?
When have you been to Central Park?
When have you been stoned...?
Since when have you been funny?
The real question is when have you been?
Since when have you been squeamish about details?
Since when have you been reading the tarot?
Since when have you been able to cut off operators?
Since when have you been so irremediably, happily, complementary?
Since when have you been interested in clothes?
Since when have you been working on this project?
Since when have you been working on this?
Wait, since when have you been interested in the redevelopment funds?
Since when have you been concerned about my love life?
Since when have you been afraid of work?
Since when have you been looking at my pictures?
But, since when have you been showing those signs?
Since when have you been appointed chairman of the board?

Alternatives:

Where have you been
What have you been up to
What have you been doing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask about a specific time in the past.

"When were you"

This phrase is used to inquire about a specific time in the past when something occurred or when someone was at a particular place.

Examples:

When were you at the party?
When were you in London?
When were you planning to leave?

Show examples from the web [+]

When were you in hospital Tommy?
When were you ready after mom?
When were you in Scotland, Mama?
When were you in Atlantic City?
When were you at the Café des Artistes?
When were you last certified in baby C.P.R.?
When were you last at the marina?
When were you ever in America?
When were you supposed to be here?
When were you ever a high roller? I told you I fed this city breakfast.
When were you last in Spain?
When were you in Peking last?
When were you in Peking last?
When were you informed of Detective Mangold's drug addiction?
When were you last here, Mikey?
When were you climbing this mountain, last night?
When were you two married, anyway?
When were you ever my boss?
When were you last in contact with Mr Greely?
When were you in contact with him?

Alternatives:

When did you go
When did you arrive
When did you leave

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When have you been vs When were you