Have been to - Have gone to - Have been in

Learn the difference in no time!

Do you have these 3 expressions all mixed up in your head? Indeed, “have been to”, “have gone to” and “have been in” look very similar and can be easily confused, but, in fact, they differ greatly in terms of meaning. So, I’m afraid that if you don’t use them accurately, misunderstandings are bound to arise. Read on in order to learn how to use “have been to”, “have gone to”, and “have been in” correctly. 
​

1. HAVE BEEN TO 

"I have been to a place" = I went to a place and I have returned

Examples:

1. I have never been to Paris before. I'd very much like to visit it one day. 
   
2. Bill, who's a sales representative, has already been to New York twice this year on business. 
   
3. Jenny has never been to a rock concert. 

---

2. HAVE GONE TO 

"I have gone to a place" = I went to a place and I'm still there; I haven't returned yet

Examples:

1. Matthew is not here. He has gone to Brighton.
2. The office is empty. Everybody has gone to the staff party.
3. Alex is not here. He has gone to the electronics store to buy a new washing machine because the old one has broken down and is unfortunately beyond repair. 

---

3. HAVE BEEN IN

"I have been in a place" = I went to a place to live there permanently / for a long time

Examples:

1. My brother has been in America for more than 9 years. He will soon obtain a certificate of American citizenship.
   
2. I didn't know you were here - you dark horse! How long have you been in Nottingham? 
   
3. My daughter has been in a boarding school for two months now. 

---

QUIZ: Choose the correct option. 
​
"Jenny's not here. She __________ the supermarket."
A) has been to 
B) has gone to
C) has been in

​Like and share this post if it was of any help.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter so as to be notified for future posts.