Been Vs Gone: Practice Exercise

Been and gone are both past participles of the verb go, but they have different meanings. We use been when someone went somewhere and returned, or when we talk about a past experience. We use gone when someone has gone somewhere and is still there. A simple way to remember the difference is to ask yourself: Is the person back? If the answer is yes, use been. If the answer is no, use gone. Use the practice exercise below to help you learn how to use been and gone in real sentences. Then, download and print the PDF exercise for extra practice.

Been vs. Gone Exercise

Been Gone Exercise PDF

Example Sentences with Been

Here are some example sentences with been to help you practice more. Remember, we use been when someone went somewhere and returned, or when talking about a past experience.

• I’ve been to the supermarket, so we don’t need any more milk.
• Sarah has been to the bank and is back at work now.
• Have you been to the post office yet?
• Tom has just been to the pharmacy.
• We have been to the shops already this morning.
• She has been to the doctor’s office and is feeling much better.
• I have been to the library and returned all my books.
• They have been to the airport to collect their relatives.
• My dad has been to the garage and fixed the problem.
• Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you all morning!

Example Sentences with Gone

Here are some example sentences with gone. Remember, we use gone when someone went somewhere and has not returned yet.

• John has gone to the supermarket, so he’ll be back later.
• Sarah has gone to the bank and won’t return until this afternoon.
• Have you seen Tom? He has gone to the post office.
• My brother has gone to the pharmacy to pick up some medicine.
• The children have gone to the park with their grandparents.
• She has gone to the doctor’s office for an appointment.
• They have gone to the library to study for their exams.
• My parents have gone to the airport to meet some friends.
• My dad has gone to the garage to get the car repaired.
• Where’s Emma? She has gone to a meeting and won’t be back until lunchtime.