Should you say "I went" or "I have gone"? Both talk about the past, but they mean different things.

The Main Difference

Simple Past: Finished action at a specific time.

• I went to Paris in 2020.
• She called me yesterday.

Present Perfect: Action at an unclear time, OR still connected to now.

• I have been to Paris. (sometime in my life)
• She has called me. (exact time doesn't matter)

When to Use Each

Use Simple Past When:

1. You know the exact time: I visited Tokyo last year.
2. The time period is finished: Shakespeare wrote many plays.

Use Present Perfect When:

1. Time doesn't matter: I have visited Tokyo.
2. It affects now: I have lost my keys. (still lost)
3. With these words: just, already, yet, ever, never
4. Time period not finished: I have worked here for five years. (still working)

Time Words Help You Choose

Simple Past words: yesterday, last week, in 2020, ago

Present Perfect words: just, already, yet, ever, never, so far, for, since

The "For" and "Since" Rule

• I lived here for 5 years. = I don't live here now (simple past)
• I have lived here for 5 years. = I still live here (present perfect)
• I have lived here since 2020. = Starting point, still here

Common Mistakes

❌ I have visited Paris in 2020. ✅ I visited Paris in 2020.

❌ Did you ever go to Japan? ✅ Have you ever been to Japan?

FAQs

Q: American vs. British English? A: Americans use simple past more: "Did you eat yet?" British use present perfect more: "Have you eaten yet?" Both are correct.

Q: How do I know which to use? A: Ask: Can I say exactly when? If yes, use simple past. If no, use present perfect.