PRESENT PERFECT VS PAST SIMPLE

PRESENT PERFECT VS PAST SIMPLE

Present perfect

A period of time which continues up to the present moment (since, for)

I've lived there for four years. --> still live there

I've lived there since June. --> still live there

Past simple

Period of time which is finished (for)

I lived there for four years. --> don't live there now

Present perfect

questions with how long

How long have you lived there?

Past simple

questions with when:

When did you move here?

Present perfect

negative: for unfinished actions and events often with still or yet:

I still haven't sent the email.

I haven't sent the email yet.

Still and yet are always used with the negative in the present perfect.

Still - before the verb ; yet - after the verb

Past simple

completed actions and events in the past often with ago:

I sent an email an hour ago.

Present perfect

events repeated over a period of time until the present (that may continue)

You have played the saxophone every night. --> until now, and you will probably continue to play every night.

Past simple

events repeated over a period of time in the past (they are now finished)

You played the saxophone every night. --> but you don't anymore

Present perfect

events which happened in the past which is unknown/irrelevant:

I've started my essay.

I've lost my camera.

Present perfect

events that happened in the recent past (often with just)

She's just gone to the cinema.

Past simple

For the events that happened at a particular time in the past:

Flight 206 landed at one o'clock.

Present perfect

the time stated is not finished

The builders have started working on the kitchen this week.

Past simple

the time stated is finished:

I spent this morning writing an essay.

Present perfect

period of time up to the present:

The team has won several matches.

Past simple

past events which are not connected to the present:

The Chinese invented printing.

Present perfect

how many times something has happened up to now:

Alex has phoned Ella three times.

Past Simple

how many times something happened in the past:

Alex phoned Ella three times yesterday.

Present perfect

adverbs: already, before, ever and never:

Nobody's ever complained before.

Present perfect

after a superlative:

It's the most beautiful painting I have ever seen.