Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
Choose between 'I have worked' and 'I worked' by asking whether the time is finished or still connected to now.
15 minIntermediate
1The grammar
Use the past simple for a finished action at a finished time. The time is often stated (yesterday, last week, in 2019, two days ago) or clear from the situation.
Use the present perfect when the past is connected to now: a situation that is still true (I have lived here since 2020), an unfinished period (this year, so far), a life experience with no time given (Have you ever worked abroad?), or a recent event whose result matters now (I have lost my keys).
Time words help. Ago, yesterday and last week go with the past simple. Since and so far go with the present perfect. For can go with both: 'I have lived in Oslo for two years' means I still live there, while 'I lived in Oslo for two years' means I don't live there now.
British and American English differ a little. With just, already and yet, British speakers usually prefer the present perfect (I've already eaten), while American speakers often use the past simple as well (I already ate). Both are correct.
2Structure and formation
Present perfect
have / has + past participle
She has visited three clients this week.
Present perfect negative and question
haven't / hasn't + past participle; Have / Has + subject + past participle?
Have you ever given a presentation in English?
Past simple
verb + -ed, or irregular past form
We signed the contract last Monday.
Past simple negative and question
didn't + base verb; Did + subject + base verb?
Did you see the email yesterday?
3Examples
I have worked here since 2021.
Present perfect: I started in 2021 and I still work here.
I worked at a bank for six years, and then I changed careers.
Past simple: that job is finished.
Have you ever been to Canada?
Present perfect with ever: a life experience, with no specific time.
We went to Canada in 2018.
Past simple: the time is stated.
The minister has resigned. She announced her decision this morning.
News often starts with the present perfect, then gives details in the past simple.
Sales have increased by 10% so far this year.
Present perfect: the year is not finished.
4Common mistakes
I have seen him yesterday.
I saw him yesterday.
Yesterday is a finished time, so use the past simple.
I live here since 2018.
I have lived here since 2018.
For a situation that started in the past and continues now, use the present perfect with since, not the present simple.
She has finished university in 2020.
She finished university in 2020.
A specific past date needs the past simple.
When have you arrived?
When did you arrive?
A question with when asks about a specific past time, so it normally takes the past simple.
5Practical usage
CVs and job interviews
Use the present perfect for experience and current roles (I have managed teams of ten people) and the past simple for finished jobs with dates (I worked at Siemens from 2015 to 2019).
News and updates
Introduce news with the present perfect (The company has opened a new office), then move to the past simple for details (It opened on Monday with 50 staff).
British and American usage
If you hear an American colleague say 'Did you send it yet?' or 'I just called him', this is normal American usage. 'Have you sent it yet?' and 'I've just called him' are correct everywhere, so they are the safest choice.
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