When we use the present perfect, we use both been and gone as the past participle of the verb to go, but in slightly different circumstances.

✅ Been

We use been (often when we talk about life experiences) to mean that the person has visited the place and returned. Notice the preposition to, used just like it normally is with the verb to go:

— I’ve been to New York. (In my life, but currently I’m in Paris where I live).

— He has been to the doctor today. (But now he is back at home).

— My sister has never been to Mexico. (In her life she has never visited Mexico.)

✅  Gone

We use gone (often when we are talking about a finished action in the past with a result in the present) to mean that the person is at that place currently: 

— “Fred, where’s your father?” “He has gone to the pharmacy.” (He is at the pharmacy now).

— Julie has gone to Argentina. (She is currently in Argentina).

— My parents have gone to Morocco for three weeks. (They are currently in Morocco).

Do you find these words confusing?

Let’s practice!

Write in the comments section sentences using “have been” and “have gone”.

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