I've been trying since

[nina tucker]

Test No. errors/elem-17 "My Thoughts", question 5

I am trying since I was at school to learn another foreign language but it's very difficult for me.

(a) am
(b) to learn
(c) but

Test No. errors/elem-17 "My Thoughts", answer 5

I have been trying since I was at school to learn another foreign language but it's very difficult for me.

Correct entry: have been
The error was: (a) am

You have not found the error.
I am trying since I was at school learning another foreign language but it's very difficult for me.
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I picked a different answer for this question and got it wrong. Is there an understandable explanation for this question?

[Alan]

Here the tense in this sentence is present continuous, which is incorrect. When you are describing that period of time from the past up to the present, we use the so-called present perfect continuous:

I have been trying since I was at school.
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Irena_]

Why "I have been trying", I mean in plural, if we use "I was" in singular just in the same sentence? Could you explaine? Thanks.

[Alan]

Hi Irena,

Not quite sure what you mean. 'I have been trying' is singular.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Irena_]

Sorry, I just forgot the rule.

[Lili6]

why present perfect continous, not Past perfect continous? we are talking about past action '' I was at school "
thanks

[Beeesneees]

I have been trying since I was at school -- this indicates I started trying when I was at school and I am still trying now, at the present time. That's why the present perfect continuous is used.
I had been trying since I was at school would indicate that you have now stopped trying.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Lili6]

it's clear for me now, thank you