The key rule
| Tense | Use when… | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Perfect have/has + pp |
The time is unfinished or unspecified. The action is connected to now. We don't say exactly when. |
I have seen that film. (ever in my life) She has lived here for years. (still now) They have just arrived. (very recent) |
| Past Simple verb + -ed / irregular |
The time is finished or specified. The action is completely in the past. We say or imply when. |
I saw that film last week. She lived in Paris from 2010 to 2015. They arrived at 6 pm yesterday. |
Signal words
| Present Perfect | Past Simple |
|---|---|
| ever never already just yet since 2020 for 3 years recently so far today / this week | yesterday last week/month/year in 2010 ago when I was young at 3 o'clock then / at that time |
I have been to Rome. → past simple follow-up: When? → I went there in 2019.
today / this week:
Use Present Perfect when the time period is still in progress: "I have drunk three coffees today." (the day isn't over). Use Past Simple when the time is over: "I drank three coffees yesterday."
Exercises
Present Perfect or Past Simple?
1. She ___ to London last summer. (go)
2. I ___ never tried raw fish. (have)
3. ___ you see the match last night?
4. This is the best pizza I ___ ever eaten.