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Which tense matches the phrase "throughout the time":

Throughout the time, I have been working.

I have worked throughout the time.

I worked throughout the time.

Which one is correct?

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    – Helmar
    Sep 3, 2016 at 11:01
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    'Throughout the time' is a deictic expression, and needs specification. 'Conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your [now/future] exile.' / 'I struggled with ill health throughout the time of my youth.'
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Sep 3, 2016 at 11:03

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Throughout the time, I have been working.

This really doesn't work. It is like Yoda talking. "Afraid he is" instead of "He is afraid."

I have worked throughout the time.

This works, but the implication of "have worked" is that the time is in the immediate past. Like the shift you just worked.

I worked throughout the time.

This works, but the implication of "worked" is that the time is in the distant past. Like the shift you worked last week.

As a native English speaker (well American English, not real English) a final note. "Throughout the time" is really an odd phrase. I'd say that "I worked the whole time", or something like that, meaning that I really worked and didn't goof off playing computer games.

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