IT IS vs IT WAS vs IT HAS BEEN — Finally Understand the Difference! | English Conversation

[00:00:00]It is cold. It was cold. It has been cold. Same weather, same complaint. Do you know which one to use or do you just pick one and hope?

[00:00:12]>> I just pick one and hope, honestly. It is, it was, it has been, they all feel the same to me.

[00:00:19]>> Today, that guessing stops forever. In the next 20 minutes, you will understand it is, it was, and it has been completely, and you will never confuse them again.

[00:00:31]>> This is such a small phrase, but it changes meaning completely depending on which form you choose.

[00:00:37]>> Hi, everyone. I am Emma.

[00:00:39]>> And I'm Jack. Welcome to Talk Nora, your number one daily English practice channel.

[00:00:44]>> It is, it was, and it has been come up constantly talking about weather, situations, feelings, and facts. Get the wrong one and your meaning changes completely.

[00:00:57]>> And these three little words appear in almost every English conversation every single day.

[00:01:02]>> Before we start, write your answer in the comments right now. What is the weather like where you are right now?

[00:01:09]Try using it is in your comment. We read every single comment.

[00:01:15]>> Tell us, sunny, rainy, cold, warm, anything. Just start with it is.

[00:01:20]>> And if you are not subscribed yet, please subscribe and hit the bell. New English lessons every single week, completely free. Okay, let us go.

[00:01:31]>> Let us go.

[00:01:32]>> Let us start with the foundation. It is, it was, and it has been all describe a situation, a fact, or the weather, but each one places that description in a completely different point in time.

[00:01:48]I will explain each one clearly. Ready, Jack?

[00:01:51]>> Ready. I have used these completely randomly for years. Let us finally fix this.

[00:01:57]>> Structure number one, it is. This is the present simple. It describes a fact or situation that is true right now, at this exact moment, or generally true all the time.

[00:02:11]Repeat after me. It is sunny outside right now.

[00:02:15]>> It is sunny outside right now. Present, right now.

[00:02:20]>> Present. It is a beautiful day today.

[00:02:23]Present. It is important to practice English every day. Present. It is Monday today.

[00:02:31]It is a fact or situation true right now, in this moment.

[00:02:37]>> So, it is is always about now, this exact moment, or a general truth.

[00:02:44]>> Exactly right. Structure number two, it was. This is the past simple. It describes a fact or situation that was true at a specific finished moment in the past, a moment that is now completely over. Repeat after me. It was sunny yesterday.

[00:03:03]>> It was sunny yesterday. Finished past.

[00:03:07]Yesterday.

[00:03:08]>> Past. It was very cold last winter.

[00:03:11]Past. It was a difficult exam. Past. It was my birthday last week. It was a finished fact in the finished past.

[00:03:21]>> So, it was is for a moment that is completely over, like yesterday, last week, last year.

[00:03:28]>> Exactly. Wait, this next structure is the most useful one of the day, and the one most learners never truly understand.

[00:03:37]>> Tell us, tell us.

[00:03:38]>> Structure number three, it has been.

[00:03:42]This is the present perfect. It describes a situation that started in the past, but is still true now, or is still connected to the present moment.

[00:03:52]It is a bridge between the past and now.

[00:03:56]Repeat after me. It has been sunny all week.

[00:04:00]>> It has been sunny all week, but the week is not finished yet.

[00:04:04]>> Exactly right. That is the whole point.

[00:04:07]The sunny weather started in the past, earlier this week, and it continues connecting all the way to right now, present perfect. It has been very cold this month, present perfect. It has been a long day, present perfect. It has been 3 years since I started learning English. It has been, connecting past to present, often with duration.

[00:04:34]>> So, it has been is like a bridge, starting in the past but still true right now.

[00:04:39]>> That is the most beautiful way to describe it, Jack. A bridge between past and present. Let me give you the clearest comparison of all three together.

[00:04:50]It is cold today, true right now, this specific day.

[00:04:55]It was cold yesterday, true yesterday, a finished day, completely separate from today.

[00:05:02]It has been cold this week, started earlier in the week and continues being true right now, connecting the whole period to this moment.

[00:05:12]>> Same weather feeling, three completely different time pictures.

[00:05:16]>> Now, let us look at the key time words that go with each structure, because this changes everything about choosing the right one.

[00:05:23]Keyword group one, right now, today, currently. These words point to the present moment. Always use it is. It is raining right now. It is quite warm today.

[00:05:37]Repeat after me. It is beautiful outside right now.

[00:05:41]>> It is beautiful outside right now, present, right now.

[00:05:46]>> Keyword group two, yesterday, last week, last year, in 2020. These are finished specific time expressions. Always use it was. It was rainy yesterday. It was a great year in 2020 actually. Repeat after me. It was absolutely freezing last winter.

[00:06:08]>> It was absolutely freezing last winter.

[00:06:11]Finished past, last winter.

[00:06:13]>> Keyword group three, for, since, all week, all day, lately, recently, this week, this month. These words describe duration or connect the past directly to now. Always use it has been. It has been hot for three days. It has been raining since Monday. Repeat after me. It has been really busy lately.

[00:06:40]>> It has been really busy lately. Past connecting to now.

[00:06:44]>> Most beginners never learn this keyword system clearly, but you just did. Don't skip this next part because it changes everything. Let's look at the questions and negatives because this is where many mistakes happen. For it is, the question is, is it? Is it cold? For it was, the question is, was it? Was it difficult the exam? For it has been, the question is, has it been? Has it been raining all day? Repeat after me. Is it? Was it? Has it been raining?

[00:07:19]>> Is it? Was it? Has it been raining?

[00:07:22]Three different question forms.

[00:07:24]>> And the negatives. It is not, often shortened to it isn't. It isn't very warm today. It was not, shortened to it wasn't. It wasn't easy at all. It has not been, shortened to it hasn't been.

[00:07:40]It hasn't been sunny this week at all.

[00:07:43]Repeat after me. It isn't cold. It wasn't easy. It hasn't been sunny.

[00:07:50]>> All three negative forms.

[00:07:52]>> Let us look at five more common expressions that native English speakers use constantly. Expression one. It is about time. This means something should have happened already and you are a little impatient about it. It is about time you learned this rule.

[00:08:09]Repeat after me. It is about time I understood this grammar.

[00:08:14]>> It is about time I understood this grammar and it really is.

[00:08:18]>> Wonderful. Expression two. It was worth it. This means something difficult or costly turned out to be good in the end once it was finished. The exam was hard, but it was worth it. Repeat after me.

[00:08:33]Learning English is hard, but it was worth it.

[00:08:36]>> Learning English is hard, but it was worth it. Absolutely true.

[00:08:41]>> Expression three. It has been a while. A wonderful natural phrase meaning a long time has passed since something happened. It has been a while since we last spoke. Repeat after me. It has been a while since I practiced speaking English out loud.

[00:08:57]>> It has been a while since I practiced speaking English out loud. I am fixing that today though.

[00:09:03]>> Clear. Expression four. It is said that.

[00:09:07]A formal way of reporting something people generally believe or say without a specific known source.

[00:09:14]It is said that this city is very beautiful in spring.

[00:09:17]Repeat after me. It is said that daily practice is the secret to fluency.

[00:09:22]>> It is said that daily practice is the secret to fluency and I believe it.

[00:09:28]>> And expression five. It has been decided. A useful slightly formal passive expression for announcing an official decision. It has been decided that the meeting will move to Friday.

[00:09:40]Repeat after me. It has been decided we are going to practice every single day.

[00:09:46]>> It has been decided we are going to practice every single day. I love that decision.

[00:09:52]>> Three core structures, key time words for each, question and negative forms, five common expressions. This is real daily English practice. The exact grammar foundation you need for talking about facts, weather, feelings, and situations every single day.

[00:10:11]Now, let us hear all of this in real conversations.

[00:10:14]>> I am so ready. Let's see it is, it was, and it has been working together.

[00:10:20]>> Now, it is time to hear it is, it was, and it has been in real English conversations. This is where daily English practice becomes real because these three structures appear constantly whenever we describe weather, feelings, and situations. Listen carefully, notice which structure is used and why, and get ready to speak English confidently.

[00:10:43]>> And I promise, once you hear them in real conversations, choosing the right one becomes so much more natural.

[00:10:49]>> Encouraging. Now, scene one, Emma and Jack are at a cafe chatting about the weather and their week so far.

[00:10:56]>> Great. Let us do it.

[00:10:57]>> Curious. It is actually quite warm today, isn't it?

[00:11:01]>> It is, but it was absolutely freezing yesterday morning. I could not believe the difference.

[00:11:05]>> I know. It has been such strange weather this whole week. Cold one day, warm the next.

[00:11:12]>> It really has. Was it this unpredictable last year, too? Do you remember?

[00:11:15]>> I think it was, actually. The weather has felt strange for a couple of years now, honestly.

[00:11:21]>> It has been a while since we had a completely normal, predictable week of weather.

[00:11:24]>> Right. Did you hear all three structures working together naturally? It is warm today, it was freezing yesterday, It has been strange this week. Was it unpredictable last year? It has been a while. All completely natural.

[00:11:40]>> And it sounded exactly like a real conversation about the weather between two friends.

[00:11:44]>> Exactly the goal. Now, scene two. Emma is at her workplace. She and a colleague discuss how a difficult project has been going.

[00:11:52]>> Great. Let us do it.

[00:11:54]>> Curious. How is the project going? Is it finished yet?

[00:11:58]>> Relieved. It's almost finished, actually. It was really challenging at the beginning, but it's been a much easier this week.

[00:12:04]>> Interested. That's great to hear. Was it difficult explaining the changes to the client?

[00:12:09]>> Honest. It was a little, but it has been much smoother since we had that clarifying call on Monday.

[00:12:14]>> Wonderful. It has been such a stressful month for the whole team, honestly.

[00:12:19]>> Satisfied. It really has, but it's worth it. Seeing how well everything is coming together now.

[00:12:24]>> Bright. Is it finished? It is almost finished. It was really challenging. It has become easier. Was it difficult? It has been much smoother. It has been stressful. It is worth it. A complete workplace conversation using every structure from today.

[00:12:41]>> This is exactly the kind of English I need in professional conversations every single day.

[00:12:46]>> Now, tell us in the comments, how has your week been so far? Try using it has been to describe your week. We want to hear about your real life.

[00:12:55]>> Inviting. Even a short sentence is perfect practice. Write it below. We read every single comment.

[00:13:01]>> Mysterious. The next scene is something that happens to every English learner.

[00:13:06]Do not miss this.

[00:13:07]>> Yes, this is so important.

[00:13:09]>> Now, scene three. Emma and Jack are at a friend's dinner party, reflecting on the recent shared holiday.

[00:13:16]>> Excited. Great. Let us do it.

[00:13:18]>> Nostalgic. That holiday last month was absolutely wonderful, wasn't it?

[00:13:23]>> It really was. It was expensive, but honestly, it was completely worth it.

[00:13:27]>> I completely agree. It has been so nice remembering it tonight, actually. I keep thinking about the beach every day since we got back.

[00:13:35]>> Me, too. Was it your first time visiting that particular island?

[00:13:38]>> Fond. It was, actually, and it has been on my list for years, so it felt very special finally going.

[00:13:45]>> Soft. It's been such a long time since I felt that relaxed, honestly. I really needed that trip.

[00:13:51]>> Curious. Emma, I want to check something. You said it has been on my list for years. Does that mean it is still on your list now, or is it finished now that you've been? Clear.

[00:14:02]Wonderful question. Since you've already visited, the situation has changed, so now you would say it was on my list for years, and now I have finally been. The moment the desire is fulfilled, it has been naturally shifts into it was, describing that earlier period as finished.

[00:14:21]>> Satisfied. It has been while still wanting to go, it was once you finally go. I understand completely now.

[00:14:27]>> Proud. Beautifully explained. Now, scene four. Jack receives an unexpected and slightly worrying phone call about a delayed delivery, describing the ongoing situation.

[00:14:39]>> Excited. Great, let us do it.

[00:14:41]>> Answering. Hello? Yes, this is Jack.

[00:14:44]>> Professional. Hi Jack, this is customer service calling. We understand it's been a frustrating week regarding your delivery.

[00:14:50]>> Frustrated. It really has been. It was supposed to arrive last Tuesday, and I still haven't received anything.

[00:14:57]>> Apologetic. I'm so sorry about that.

[00:15:00]It's been a difficult period for our delivery partners, unfortunately, due to unusually high demand.

[00:15:04]>> Concerned. I understand, but it has been almost two weeks now. Is it still coming at all?

[00:15:11]>> Reassuring. It is, absolutely. It was delayed at the warehouse, but it has been resolved as of this morning, and it's now on its way to you.

[00:15:18]>> Relieved. That is a relief to hear. Has it been a common problem recently, this kind of delay?

[00:15:24]>> Oh, >> Honest, it has been more common than usual lately, yes, but we're confident it won't happen again with your future orders.

[00:15:31]>> Grateful. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly today. It has been really helpful talking to you. Great.

[00:15:38]And there, it has been frustrating. It was supposed to arrive. It has been difficult. It has been almost 2 weeks.

[00:15:45]Is it still coming? It is. It was delayed. It has been resolved. It is now on its way. Has it been common? It has been more common. It has been helpful.

[00:15:56]Every single structure working together in one realistic, slightly stressful phone call.

[00:16:02]>> Relatable. This is exactly the kind of call I would actually need to make or receive, and now I understand every single choice.

[00:16:10]>> Proud. That's the real power of learning through genuine, realistic conversations.

[00:16:15]You have been absolutely incredible today. Let us do our full, energetic recap together. Repeat after me, loud and confident.

[00:16:26]>> I am ready. Let us go.

[00:16:28]>> It is a fact or situation true right now.

[00:16:33]>> It is a fact or situation true right now.

[00:16:37]>> It was a finished fact in the finished past.

[00:16:42]>> It was a finished fact in the finished past.

[00:16:45]>> It has been a bridge connecting past to present.

[00:16:50]>> It has been a bridge connecting past to present.

[00:16:54]>> It is sunny right now.

[00:16:56]>> It is sunny right now.

[00:16:58]>> It was sunny yesterday.

[00:17:01]>> It was sunny yesterday.

[00:17:03]>> It has been sunny all week.

[00:17:06]>> It has been sunny all week.

[00:17:08]>> Is it cold? Was it difficult? Has it been raining?

[00:17:12]>> Is it cold? Was it difficult? Has it been raining?

[00:17:16]>> It isn't cold. It wasn't easy. It hasn't been sunny.

[00:17:21]>> It isn't cold. It wasn't easy. It hasn't been sunny.

[00:17:26]>> It is about time.

[00:17:28]>> It is about time.

[00:17:29]>> It was worth it.

[00:17:31]>> It was worth it.

[00:17:32]>> It has been a while.

[00:17:34]>> It has been a while.

[00:17:36]>> It is said that >> It is said that >> It has been decided.

[00:17:41]>> It has been decided.

[00:17:43]>> Now, let us recap the key phrases from our four scenes. Repeat after me. It is warm today, but it was freezing yesterday.

[00:17:53]>> It is warm today, but it was freezing yesterday.

[00:17:57]>> It is almost finished. It was challenging, but it has become easier.

[00:18:02]>> It is almost finished. It was challenging, but it has become easier.

[00:18:06]>> That holiday was wonderful. It has been on my list for years.

[00:18:11]>> That holiday was wonderful. It has been on my list for years.

[00:18:15]>> It has been frustrating, but it has been resolved. It is on its way.

[00:18:20]>> It has been frustrating, but it has been resolved. It is on its way.

[00:18:24]>> Now, our second comment question for today. Write three sentences in the comments about your real life. One with it is, one with it was, and one with it has been. Describe your day, your week, or your feelings right now.

[00:18:40]>> For example, it is a sunny day today. It was a busy morning. It has been a great week so far. Write yours. We will read every single one.

[00:18:49]>> You are amazing. You have just mastered three of the most commonly confused structures in English completely, clearly, and naturally. We are so proud of every one of you.

[00:19:02]>> You showed up today, you practiced, and your English is better right now than it was 20 minutes ago. That is real meaningful progress.

[00:19:11]>> It is, it was, and it has been. Three tiny phrases that confused you before today, and now you understand them completely, clearly, and confidently.

[00:19:23]>> I genuinely feel different. The bridge idea really helped. It has been connects the past directly to right now. That is going to stay with me forever.

[00:19:33]>> Use these structures today, right now.

[00:19:36]Describe the weather, describe your day, describe how your week has been, choosing the right structure each time.

[00:19:42]That is real daily English practice happening in your real life.

[00:19:48]>> Say them out loud today, even to yourself. That is how it becomes natural. You hear yourself choosing the right structure, and it just clicks into place.

[00:19:57]>> If today's lesson helped you, please give this video a like. It takes 1 second, and it helps so many other English learners around the world find this lesson. Your like truly makes a difference.

[00:20:08]>> And subscribe if you have not already.

[00:20:10]We make complete English grammar lessons like this every single week, all free, because we genuinely love helping you grow.

[00:20:17]>> Share this video with someone who mixes up it is, it was, and it has been. Send it to them right now. This lesson could fix years of confusion in just 20 minutes.

[00:20:28]>> Emma, what is coming in the next video?

[00:20:31]>> Next time, we are going to teach you there is versus there was versus there has been. A very similar pattern, but for talking about existence rather than description, and it's going to feel wonderfully familiar after today's lesson.

[00:20:47]>> Oh, I love that we are building on today's lesson. That makes so much sense.

[00:20:51]>> After the next video, you will have two complete grammar systems mastered. We'll see you then. Thank you so much for learning with us today.

[00:21:00]Bye, everyone.

[00:21:01]>> See you next time. Keep speaking English confidently.