Explanation | Examples |
We use Past Simple for an action that was completed in the
past. Often a definite
time is mentioned.
Signal words: yesterday, last week, ago, then, when, in 1981, etc. |
Last year, I read an article in your newspaper.
|
We use Present Perfect for
Signal words: Just, ever, never, already, yet, so far, recently, since, for,
today, this week/ month, etc.
|
They have gone to England, (unstated time; We don’t know
when they went; They are
still there.)
I have sent five emails this morning, (stated time; it is still morning; action connected to the present)
He has cut the grass. (We can see the grass is now cut.)
Ali has been a doctor for twenty years. |
We use Present Perfect Progressive
|
He has been watering the trees for an hour.
Her eyes are red. She has been crying.
|
Signal words: For and since are usually used with Present Perfect Progressive to emphasise the duration of an action. |