Hilin Roman
Help me, please! I wonder if I can say "I have played bridge (card game) once". Is it correct? or Must I  use only past simple "I played bridge once"?
11. Nov. 2017 14:37
Kommentare · 3
3

It depends on the emphasis. For example: 

a) I played it once (in the past) but I didn't like it.  I am not interested in playing it again.

b) I have played it once (at some point in my life).  I am not sure if I will play it again - who knows?

In b), you could also use "played" (past simple) and many US English speakers prefer this option. Either is correct.

In a), it would feel a little unnatural for native speakers to use the present perfect because of the inconsistency with the tense of "didn't like". 


11. November 2017
2
I'm not a native English speaker but as far as my knowledge of English goes, " I have played bridge once" is a better choice in this case. Simple past tense is usually used if there is an adverb of time. for instance, "I played bridge yesterday."
11. November 2017
1
Good point to know, Michael! Thanks. :) ... Natives always have some hints and I'd love to learn from them. 
11. November 2017