The present perfect forms have gone to and have been to are often confused in English. However, there are
clear differences between the two forms.
The present perfect forms have gone to and have been to are commonly used to refer to movement to another place.
Notice the differences in the examples below.
Has / Have Gone to in Present Perfect Tense
Has / have gone to refers to someone who has gone to a place but has but not yet returned.
In other words, someone who has gone to Hawaii is still in Hawaii having a good time.
Here are some examples:
He’s gone to the bank. He should be back soon.
Where has Tom gone to?
They’ve gone to a business conference for the week.
Has / Have Been to in Present Perfect Tense
Has / have been to refers to a place which someone has visited at some time in their life. In other words, has been to refers to an experience that involves travel. The form has / have been to always indicate that the person has returned or is no longer there.
Here are some examples:
He’s been to London many times.
I’ve been to Disneyland twice.
If you need money, ask Tom. He’s been to the bank today.
