What is correct and what is the difference between:
- I didn't see anybody there.
- I haven't seen anybody there.
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A full list of possible contexts and meanings probably wouldn't fit in a comment. Maybe someone else will write it all out as an Answer– FumbleFingersCommented Mar 18, 2023 at 19:12
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I've voted to close. There is no special meaning or difference, just the usual past tense/present perfect tense. What does your grammar book say about these two common tenses? Why do you suppose one is not correct? More details, please!– James KCommented Mar 18, 2023 at 19:35
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3@JamesK: One difference is that the didn't version strongly implies ...when I was there on a single (contextually relevant) occasion (recently), whereas the haven't version strongly implies ...ever (i.e. - I've been there many times, but have never seen anyone there).– FumbleFingersCommented Mar 18, 2023 at 19:57
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1 Answer
I didn't see anybody there.
This is a completed action. At some time in the past you were "there" and during that time you didn't see anybody.
I haven't seen anybody there.
This would be okay for "I haven't seen anybody here", referring to the period of time that you have been where you are now.
It would be inappropriate for a single occurrence at some other location though.
But it would be okay if you "haven't seen anybody there" in any of the many times that you had been there.
answered Mar 20, 2023 at 3:24
