Understanding the Tense
* "Has torn" is the present perfect tense, used for actions that started in the past and are still relevant or have a result in the present.
* "Have torn" is also the present perfect tense, but used with plural subjects or the pronoun "you."
Using the Correct Form
Here's how to choose the correct form:
1. Subject: Identify the subject of the sentence.
* Singular subject: Use "has torn" (e.g., The dog has torn his leash.)
* Plural subject or "you": Use "have torn" (e.g., The children have torn the wrapping paper.)
2. Context: Think about the timeline and relevance to the present.
* Action completed with ongoing impact: Use present perfect (e.g., The wind has torn the roof off the barn.)
* Action finished in the past with no connection to the present: Use a simple past tense (e.g., The wind tore the roof off the barn yesterday.)
Examples:
* "Has torn":
* The cat has torn the curtain. (The curtain is still torn)
* The storm has torn down many trees. (The trees are still down)
* "Have torn":
* We have torn the paper into pieces. (The paper is now in pieces)
* You have torn your shirt. (The shirt is still torn)
Important Note: If you're unsure about the tense, it's always helpful to consider the context and the specific action you're trying to describe.