Present Perfect vs Simple Past: Explained

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.
   • They graduated in May.

2. The time period is finished:

   • Shakespeare wrote many plays. (He's dead—completely finished)

Use Present Perfect When:

1. Time doesn't matter:

   • I have visited Tokyo. (at some point)

2. It affects now:

   • I have lost my keys. (still lost)
   • He has broken his arm. (still broken)

3. With these words: just, already, yet, ever, never

   • I have just finished.
   • Have you ever been to Japan?

4. Time period not finished:

   • I have worked here for five years. (still working)
   • We've met three times this week. (week isn't over)

Time Words Help You Choose

Simple Past words:

• yesterday, last week, in 2020, ago, when I was young

Present Perfect words:

• just, already, yet, ever, never, so far, recently, 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 (present perfect)

Learning new grammar? The FreeTalk Dictionary gives you simple examples while you read online.

Examples by Level

• A2: I ate breakfast this morning. vs. I have eaten sushi before.
• B1: She lived in Japan for two years (doesn't live there now) vs. She has lived in Japan for two years (still lives there).
• B2: The company expanded rapidly in the 2010s. vs. The company has expanded significantly over the past decade.

Common Mistakes

❌ I have visited Paris in 2020. (Don't use present perfect with specific time)
✅ I visited Paris in 2020.

❌ Did you ever go to Japan? (For life experience, present perfect is better)
✅ 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 or it doesn't matter, use present perfect.

Q: What about "for" and "since"?
A: For = duration (for 3 years). Since = starting point (since 2020). Both usually take present perfect if the situation continues now.