I had some delicious curry last night.

Today, let’s have a look at the difference between how to use the simple past and present perfect. Do you know how to use these tenses? Have a look at today’s lesson and then check your understanding with the quiz at the end of the lesson.

Situation #1 – Has the action finished or not?

We can use the simple past with for when the action has finished.

  • I worked at that company for 10 years. I don’t work there anymore.
  • Steve lived in Miami for three months. Steve doesn’t live there anymore.

We can use present perfect with for or since when the action has not finished.

  • I have worked at that company for 10 years. I still work there.
  • Steve has lived in Miami for three months. Steve still lives there.

Situation #2 – Is the time specific or not?

We can use the simple past when we know the specific time.  

  • I ate some delicious curry last night.
  • Steve lived in Miami last year.

We can use present perfect when we don’t know the specific time.

  • I have seen Casablanca many times. We know his experience, but we don’t know when.
  • Steve has lived in Miami and Mexico City. We know his experience, but we don’t know when.

Situation #3 – Has the time period ended or not?

We can use the simple past when the time period has finished  

  • I saw Casablanca last night. Last night has finished.
  • Steve lived in Miami last year. Last year has finished.

We can use present perfect when the time period has not finished.

  • I have seen Casablanca twice this week. This week has not finished.
  • Steve has lived in Miami all his life. All his life means Steve is still living, the time period “all his life” has not finished.

Situation #4 – Is this recent information, or old information

We can use the simple past when we talk about some old news:

  • I saw Casablanca when I lived in Miami.
  • Steve moved away from New York when he went to college.

We can use present perfect when we talk about some recent news, and we often use words like “again” or “recently” when we do:  

  • I have seen Casablanca again.
  • Steve has moved back to Mexico City recently.

Simple Past Vs Present Perfect Quiz

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Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
My friend Jack ___________ in the Navy all his life.
A
was
B
has been
Question 1 Explanation: 
I said my friend, and used "all his life" so the nuance is that my friend is still alive.
Question 2
I ___________ at ABS Corp. for 5 years, and I love it!
A
have worked
B
worked
Question 2 Explanation: 
I still work at ABC Corp
Question 3
Steve ___________ in Paris and Istanbul. He’s quite a citizen of the world.
A
lived
B
has lived
Question 3 Explanation: 
We don't know when he lived there
Question 4
I ___________ to a nice pizza shop last night. It was great!
A
went to
B
have gone to
Question 4 Explanation: 
We know the time...it was last night.
Question 5
I heard Jenny ___________ a cold recently
A
has caught
B
caught
Question 5 Explanation: 
Both "caught" & "has caught" could be used here, however, using the present perfect, "has caught," is more common for recent news.
Question 6
I ___________ at ABS Corp. for 5 years, and then started working here.
A
have worked
B
worked
Question 6 Explanation: 
I don't work at ABC company now.
Question 7
I ___________ golf quite often when I lived in Miami.
A
played
B
have played
Question 7 Explanation: 
This is old news. I don't live in Miami any more.
Question 8
I ___________ to that speech a few times today.
A
listened
B
have listened
Question 8 Explanation: 
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