When do we use the simple past versus the present perfect? Give one example for each.

We use the past tense to talk about something that happened once in the past, and that is finished at present. e.g.: Last June, we went to Amsterdam to celebrate our anniversary. It can also be used for something that was true for some time in the past, but not anymore. e.g.: I lived in Tunisia when I was a little girl.We use the present perfect for something that started in the past and continues in the present:e.g.: They have been married for almost ten years. e.g.: She has lived in the UK for 5 years. It can also be used when talking about an experience up to the present:e.g.: I have never seen the movie Frozen. I have played the piano since I was 10 years old. Note that you will use the present perfect when using words such as for, since, ever / never.

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Answered by Toscane V. English Language tutor

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