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 Colour Idioms

[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 A day in the life of a parliamentary candidate

[Irena_]

Sorry, I just forgot the rule.