USE
3. With "this morning"
|
Present Perfect
|
Past Simple |
|
We use Present Perfect with time expressions (e.g. this morning) when these periods of time are not finished at the time of speaking.
E.g.
We describe an action in the morning.
I have made two phone calls this morning.
(I am speaking in the morning.)
|
We use Past Simple with time expressions (e.g. this morning) when these periods of time are finished at the time of speaking.
E.g.
We describe an action that happened in the morning later (in the afternoon or in the evening).
I made two phone calls this morning.
(I am speaking in the evening.)
|
4. With "for"
|
Present Perfect
|
Past Simple
|
|
We describe an action that
started in the past and is still continuing in the present.
Jamie has had a cold for two days. His temperature is really high now.
(He has got a cold at the moment of speaking.)
|
We describe an action that
started and finished in the past.
Jamie had a cold for two days last month.
(He hasn't got a cold any more.)
|
5. With "since"
|
Present Perfect
|
Past Simple
|
|
We use Present Perfect in the main part of the sentence.
I have lived here since I was ten.
I have learned 1000 words since I started learning English.
|
We use Past Simple after "since".
I have lived here since I was ten.
I have learned 1000 words since I started learning English.
|
6. With "before"
|
Present Perfect
|
Past Simple
|
|
We describe an action that happened at any time in the past before the moment of speaking.
I have been to Spain before.
|
We describe an action that happened before a particular time in the past.
I fed my dog before lunch.
|
7. Use and time expressions
|
Present Perfect
|
Past Simple
|
|
just
already ever never yet
still lately / recently
this morning (this week, today,…) once (twice, three times,...) so far (up to now)
before
since
for How much (How many / How long…?) etc.
|
yesterday
last (last month)
ago (two days ago)
in ... (in 2015)
when (when I was 5)
|