Been to - gone to - been in

Question

Since I have (been - gone) to singapore, I have seen stately skyscrapers across the country.

What is the best choice? Gone to or been to

Still there: While I have been in Singapore, I have seen stately skyscrapers... Gone somewhere else: When I was in Singapore, I saw stately skyscrapers... — Michael Harvey, Aug 28 '22 at 11:41

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 28 '22 at 11:29

Been to is used typically of a place that someone has visited (but returned from). You might have been to Singapore several times.

Gone to is used typically of a place to which someone has departed and is now to be found, whether for a visit or to stay.

So, you have been to Singapore. If you were still in Singapore, and a friend asked your parents where you were, they might reply that you had gone to Singapore.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 28 '22 at 11:46

If the OP has returned from their visit, the original sentence would necessitate the past simple because the speaker is referring to a specific point of time in the past.

When I went to Singapore, I saw magnificent skyscrapers across the country.

I substituted stately with magnificent because that sounds more natural and idiomatic to my ears. We don't normally describe skyscrapers as being stately, more often than not it is collocated with something that looks pompous, regal or dignified e.g. mansions, a stately home, processions and parks.

Been to - gone to - been in

2 Answers2