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I cannot understand these.

1st

  • We didn't win our first four games, but now we are second in the league. (o)
  • We haven't win our first four games, but now we are second in the league. (x)

2nd

  • For the last half hour I have been watching some dolphins near the boat, and I feel really happy to be here. (o)
  • For the last half hour I have watched some dolphins near the boat, and I feel really happy to be here. (x)

Why each first line is correct?

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  • But the second line of 2nd is correct.
    – user405662
    Nov 20, 2020 at 13:03
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    @user405662 Acceptable, maybe, but the continuous tense is much more idiomatic in this context.
    – Kate Bunting
    Nov 20, 2020 at 13:11
  • I agree with you, Kate Bunting.
    – user405662
    Nov 20, 2020 at 13:27

1 Answer 1

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(1) It should be haven't won, but this would only be said after those four games and before any more have been played. "Now we are second in the league" implies that the team have won plenty of games since those four losing ones. Didn't win is used because the losing games were some time in the past.

(2) Similarly, the half hour of dolphin-watching is in the immediate past (and may still be continuing!).

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