Been, gone

ScottsEnglish · February 2019

What is the difference between "have been" and "have gone"?

Both 'have been' and 'have gone' can be used to refer to travelling. For example:

'He has been to Canada several times'
'She has gone to Acapulco for the winter'.

The difference is in where the subject is at the moment. In the first sentence, the man went to Canada and returned to his home. In the second, the woman has not yet returned, she is still in Mexico.

Use "have been" when the person has left and returned, but use "have gone" when the person has left but not yet returned.

Put "been" or "gone" in the following sentences.

1. He enjoys the snow and has _______________ to Colorado several years in a row.
2. Sue's not here; she's _________________ to the store for milk and bread.
3. Here is a postcard from your Aunt - she has ________________ to Rome to visit the museums.
4. While I've traveled a lot, I have never _____________________ to Denmark.
5. I don't know where the children are. They have ______________ out to play in the snow!

Click here for the correct answers.

1. He enjoys the snow and has been to Colorado several years in a row.
2. Sue's not here; she's gone to the store for milk and bread.
3. Here is a postcard from your Aunt - she has gone to Rome to visit the museums.
4. While I've traveled a lot, I have never been to Denmark.
5. I don't know where the children are. They have gone out to play in the snow!