Rule 1:
Use the present perfect to talk about a general experience in the past. Use the past simple to talk about a specific moment in the past.
“Have you seen the new Mission Impossible film?”
“Yes, I have.”
“When did you see it?”
“I saw it last week.”
Use the present perfect for “unspecified” time:
I’ve seen the new Mission Impossible film.
Use the past simple for “specified” time:
I saw the new Mission Impossible film last week.
Rule 2:
Use the present perfect to talk about an action that started in the past and continues to the present. Use the past simple to talk about an action that started and finished in the past.
Use the present perfect for “unfinished” time:
“I’ve lived in Brazil for three years.” (and I live in Brazil now)
Use the past simple for “finished” time:
“I lived in Brazil for three years.” (and I don’t live in Brazil now)
Present Perfect or Past Simple?
Question 1 |
didn't see | |
haven't seen |
Question 2 |
've been | |
went |
Question 3 |
's known | |
knew |
Question 4 |
sent | |
has sent |
Question 5 |
've never gone | |
never went |
Question 6 |
have lived | |
lived |
Question 7 |
walked | |
has walked |
Question 8 |
hasn't met | |
didn't meet |
Question 9 |
didn't see | |
haven't seen |
Question 10 |
haven't spoken | |
didn't speak |
Question 11 |
Have / fallen | |
Did / fall |
Question 12 |
started | |
has started |
Question 13 |
did you fly | |
have you flown |
Question 14 |
Has / ridden | |
Did / ride |
Question 15 |
had | |
's had |
Question 16 |
has had | |
had |