Difference between "Was Done" and "Has been Done"?

[EngLearner]

Hi All,

Can someone please explain me the difference between these two sentences:

-The work was done.

-The work has been done.

Thanks,
EngLearner.

[Alan]

Hi,

They both indicate that the work is now finished and completed. 'Was done, suggests that this work was completed at a particular and known time in the past as in: This work was done last year/in 2005/on Tusday or whenever. 'Has been done' indicates only that the work was completed at some unkown time in the past as in: This work has been done and now we can go on to the next project.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Word Story: Search Engines

[EngLearner]

Thanks a lot Alan,

That clarified my doubt.

Thanks,
EngLearner.