-
1. Watch & Listen
-
2. Watch & Learn
-
3. Language Practice
-
4. Pronunciation Practice
-
5. Grammar Explanation
-
6. Video Transcript
Present Perfect vs Past Simple : Time Expressions
With the present perfect you cannot use « finished » time expressions such as :
One month ago
Three years ago
Yesterday
Last week
When I was…
WRONG :
I have done my homework yesterday.
These time durations specify when something happened, so it is better to use the present simple.
CORRECT :
I did my homework yesterday.
Time expressions with the Present Perfect :
Already
Before
Recently
Ever
Just
Lately
EXAMPLES :
I have already done my homework
We have already been to that restaurant
Careful with « this »
This morning could be considered as « unfinished time » if it’s 10am. Then you should use the present perfect :
I’ve received two emails this morning. (Since the morning is not finished yet, I may receive more emails)
But this morning could be considered as « finished time » if it’s 2pm. Then you should use the past simple :
I received ten email this morning. (Since the morning is finished, I won’t receive any more emails).