We use it to talk about past experiences and recent past actions.

The exact time when the action happened is not specified.

Present Perfect

We use it to refer actions that were concluded in the past.

We use it commonly with a time expression or when the time is clearly understood.

Past Simple

Main difference

The past simple describes concluded action in the past. The present perfect presents experiences.

Past Simple - Examples

I didn't have time to do my homework.​

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They got married last year​.

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What time did you wake up this morning?​

Past Simple

Past Simple - Grammar

Affirmative:​

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They finished school a year ago​.

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subject + past form of verb + complement

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Past Simple | Affirmative

Past Simple - Grammar

Negative:​

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Monica didn't call her parents last night​.

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subject + aux didn't + base form of verb + complement

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Past Simple | Negative

Past Simple - Grammar

Questions:​

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Did they say why​?

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aux did + subject + base form of verb + complement?

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Past Simple | Questions

Present Perfect - Examples

I've been to Japan three times.​

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She's just washed her hair​.

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Have you ever tried Sushi?​

Present Perfect

Present Perfect - Grammar

Affirmative:

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We have already seen that movie​.

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subject + aux have or has + past participle + complement

Present Perfect | Affirmative

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Present Perfect - Grammar

Negative:

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I haven't called her yet.

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subject + aux haven't or hasn't + past participle + complement

Present Perfect | Negative

Present Perfect - Grammar

Questions:

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Have you ever seen Johnny English?

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xaux have or has + subject + past participle + complement?

Present Perfect | Questions