Present perfect and past simple Notes

Present perfect and past simple

With a finished time (yesterday / last week etc.), we use the past (arrived/saw/was etc.):

Past simple + finished time

Do not use the present perfect (have arrived / have done / have been etc.) with a finished time:

1. I saw Pavan yesterday, (not 'I have seen')

2. Where were you on Sunday afternoon? (not 'Where have you been')

3. We didn't have a holiday last year, (not 'We haven't had')

4. 'What did you do last night?'   'I stayed at home.'

5. William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616. He was a writer. He wrote many plays and poems.

Use the past simple to ask When ... ? or What time ... ?:

When did they arrive? (not 'When have they arrived?')

Compare:

Present perfect

1. I have lost my key. (= I can't find it now)

2. Arun has gone home. (= he isn't here now)

3. Have you seen Anu? (= where is she now?)

Past simple

1. I lost my key last week.

2. Arun went home ten minutes ago.

3. Did you see Anu on Saturday?

Present perfect

1. Have you ever been to Spain?

(= in your life, until now)

2. My friend is a writer. He has written many books.

3. The letter hasn't arrived yet.

We've lived in Singapore for six years.

(= we live there now)

Past simple

1. Did you go to Spain last year?

2. Shakespeare wrote many plays and poems.

3. The letter didn't arrive yesterday.

4. We lived in Mumbai for six years but now we live in Jaipur.