Difference past simple and present perfect in English

This chapter will discuss the difference between the past simple tense and present perfect tense. This chapter will explain the difference and show example sentences. 

Difference between past simple and present perfect

The past simple and present perfect tenses both talk about an action in the past, but the tenses are used for different moments in the past. 

• The past simple tense is used when talking about an action that took place in the past and has already finished. 
• The present perfect tense is used to talk about an action that started in the past and still continues in the present. 

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Comparing the past simple and present perfect tense

Take a look at the timeline below to see the difference between past simple and present perfect. 

Train your skills by doing the exercise below.