Past perfect and present perfect?

[rajeshmalladi]

1)It has been a long time since I have spoken to you.
It has been a long time since I spoke to you.
It had been a long time since I spoke to you.
It had been a long time since I have spoken to you.

2) He is never there when I need him
He was never there when I need him
He was never there when I needed him


Please tell me the differences in the above sets of sentences.

Thank you very much :?

[Rusty]

1)a. It has been a long time since I have spoken to you.
1b. It has been a long time since I spoke to you.
1c. It had been a long time since I spoke to you. (I think this is wrong).
1d. It had been a long time since I have spoken to you. (Incorrect).
(1a refers to a duration of time beginning with your last communication and extending into the present.
1b. is very similar, but emphasizes the final time you spoke as a definite point in the past)
1c. should be: It had been a long time since I had spoken to you).

2) He is never there when I need him.(OK, habitual occurence).
He was never there when I need him, (Incorrect).
He was never there when I needed him. (Correct. Past tense).