Present perfect vs. past simple
Past Simple
We use this tense for things that happened at a definite time in the past.
E.g. "I met my best friend when I was fifteen."
It is formed by adding '-ed' to regular verbs.
Present Perfect
This tense describes something that happened in the past, but that is related to something in the
present.
E.g. "I have read three books by Charles Dickens."
Simple Past
Present Perfect Simple
yesterday
just
. ago
already
in 1990
up to now
the other day
until now / till now
ever
(not) yet
last ...
so far
lately / recently
Exercise
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. I'm really hungry. I haven't eaten / didn't eat yet.
2. They arrived / have arrived a week ago.
3. We have worked / worked here for three years.
4. They didn't recognise / haven't recognised me at yesterday's meeting.
5. Our neighbour was / has been in hospital since Friday.
6. Have you travelled / Did you travel abroad many times?