English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)

HAVE YOU GONE TO or YOU HAVE BEEN TO LONDON?

My uncle ~has gone to~ London three times (nonstandard).
My uncle *has been to* London three times (standard).
We use “been to” when a journey has been completed.

My uncle ~has been to~ London and may not be back this week (nonstandard).
My uncle *has gone to* London and may not be back this week (standard).
The choice of “gone to” is made when a person is still at a place and has not returned yet.

My uncle has been to London (but he’s not there now). ✔️
My uncle has gone to London (and he’s still there). ✔️
GAB

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