Using ‘Been to’ and ‘Been at/in/on’ in English

Understanding the distinction between “been to” and “been at/in/on” in the present perfect tense is essential for precise communication. Below is an explanation along with examples that can be quite useful.

Using “Been to”

We often use the present perfect tense to mention places we have visited at an undefined time in the past, without emphasizing the duration or its current relevance. For instance:
• He has been to the USA.
• She hasn’t been to the farm yet.
• He is very ill, hasn’t he been to the doctor?

Using “Been at/in/on”

We can also use the present perfect tense to refer to places where we have stayed up until the moment of speaking. Notice how the preposition “to” is replaced with “at,” “in”, or “on”:

• Has he been at the doctor’s office all this time? (“at” = particular location or event, such as stores, pharmacies, or banks).
• He has been in the USA for 2 months (“in” = within a larger area, for example, cities, states, or countries, as well as to really mean something or someone is “inside” a place, like stores, pharmacies, or banks).
• She hasn’t been on the farm since I arrived (“on” = specific locations, such as playgrounds or farms).

Key Difference:

The critical difference between these two structures is that the first (“been to”) refers to an unspecified point in the past, while the second (“been at/in/on”) emphasizes the duration or the focus up until now.

Grasping the difference between “been to” and “been at/in/on” is key to using English more naturally. So, to start with, pay attention to how native speakers use prepositions in movies, podcasts, or conversations. Also, notice how they use the present perfect tense in these same situations. Although it may seem tricky at first, by observing these nuances, and by incorporating these habits into your learning routine, you’ll start to feel more confident over time.

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