"Took it too far" versus "has taken it too far."

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BMCT2010 - 15 May 2009 22:28 GMT

I was wondering the difference between the phrases "took it too far"
and "has taken it too far." If you could help me out with this, I
would appreciate it.

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mm - 15 May 2009 22:54 GMT

>I was wondering the difference between the phrases "took it too far"
>and "has taken it too far." If you could help me out with this, I
>would appreciate it.

All verbs can have a slightly different meaning in the past tense
compared to the present perfect tense** And the difference is pretty
much the same*** no matter what verb is examined.

The difference is slight, but has to do with IMO a feeling of recency,
being relatively recent, with "have taken". It's called the present
perfect iiuc because the speaker's perspective is in some way from the
present. The past tense, "took", gives no clue as to how long ago
something happened.

**I think I got the name of that tense right.

***How can a difference be the same? Should a difference be
different? :-)

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Posters should say where they live, and for which
area they are asking questions. I have lived in
Western Pa. 10 years
Indianapolis 10 years
Chicago 6 years
Brooklyn, NY 12 years
Baltimore 26 years

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / May 2009

"Took it too far" versus "has taken it too far."