Present Perfect vs Past Simple
Use the Present Perfect for past actions connected to now (with no specific time), and the Past Simple for finished actions at a specific past time.
Finished Time vs. Connected to Now
We use the Past Simple when we say or know exactly when something happened (yesterday, in 2010, last week). We use the Present Perfect when the time is not stated or when the past action still matters now. Words like a specific date or 'ago' push you toward the Past Simple, while 'unfinished now' meaning pushes you toward the Present Perfect.
- •I saw that film last night.
- •I have seen that film three times.
- •She moved to Berlin in 2019.
- •She has lived in Berlin since 2019.
Form and Common Signal Words
The Present Perfect is formed with 'have/has' plus the past participle, and it often appears with 'just', 'already', 'yet', 'ever', 'never', 'since' and 'for'. The Past Simple uses the past form of the verb (regular '-ed' or irregular) and often appears with 'yesterday', 'last', 'in + year' and 'ago'. Remember that questions and negatives in the Past Simple use 'did' and the base verb.
- •Have you ever eaten sushi?
- •I have already finished my homework.
- •Did you call her yesterday?
- •We didn't go to the party last weekend.
Experience and News vs. A Story
Use the Present Perfect to talk about life experience up to now and to announce recent news. Once you give details and a specific time, switch to the Past Simple to tell the story. This is why a conversation often starts in the Present Perfect and then continues in the Past Simple.
- •I have been to Japan. I went there in 2018.
- •She has lost her keys, so she can't get in.
- •Have you finished the report? Yes, I sent it this morning.
- •They have just arrived; they took a taxi from the airport.