English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
GONE TO or BEEN TO?
My friend has ~gone to~ the US a number of times (nonstandard).
My friend has *been to* the US a number of times (standard).
The phrase “been to” means that someone travelled to a place and has already returned.
My friend has ~been to~ London and he should be back next weekend (nonstandard).
My friend has *gone to* London and should be back next weekend (standard).
“Gone to” means that a person has travelled to a destination and has not yet returned.
GAB
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