Difference Between Past Simple and Present Perfect

Past Simple

We use it for finished actions in the past.

The time is known or mentioned, or it is clear that the action is completely finished.

We focus on when something happened.

Present Perfect

We use it for actions that happened at an unspecified time before now

(the exact time doesn’t matter or is not mentioned).

We use it for experiences, recent events, or actions connected to the present.

We focus on the result now, not the specific time.

---

Comparisons (Past Simple vs. Present Perfect)

Each pair shows one meaning difference.

---

1

I visited Spain in 2019.

I have visited Spain many times.

2

She lost her keys yesterday.

She has lost her keys, so she can’t open the door.

3

They moved to London in 2015.

They have moved to London, so they live there now.

4

He finished the project last week.

He has finished the project, so he is free today.

5

I saw that movie two days ago.

I have seen that movie before.

6

We met at a café last month.

We have met before, but I don’t remember when.

7

The company hired him in March.

The company has hired new staff recently.

8

I bought this car in 2021.

I have bought a new car, and I love it.

9

She wrote that article yesterday.

She has written many articles in her career.

10

They visited us last weekend.

They have visited us several times this year.

11

I started learning Spanish when I was 15.

I have started learning Japanese recently.

12

She studied at that school as a child.

She has studied English for three years.

13

He broke his arm last summer.

He has broken his arm, so he can’t play today.

14

The rain stopped an hour ago.

It has stopped raining, so we can go outside.

15

I ate breakfast at 8 a.m.

I haven’t eaten anything today.

16

They left the house early this morning.

They have left the house, but I’m not sure when.

17

We lived in Paris from 2010 to 2014.

We have lived here for a long time.

18

She cleaned the room yesterday.

She has cleaned the room, so it looks nice now.

19

I read that book last year.

I have read that book several times.

20

He called me last night.

He has called me three times today.

21

The teacher explained the rule yesterday.

The teacher has explained the rule again because we forgot it.

22

I washed the dishes an hour ago.

I have washed the dishes, and now I’m taking a break.

23

She opened the store at 9 a.m.

She has opened a new store downtown.

24

We traveled to Italy two years ago.

We have traveled a lot recently.

25

I finished the book last week.

I have finished the book, so you can borrow it.

--