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B1 Grammar
Present Perfect vs Past Simple
This is one of the most common mistakes common English speakers make. Let's clear it up!
**Past Simple** ("I did") → for completed actions at a **specific time** in the past
- I visited Amsterdam **last year**.
- She finished the project **yesterday**.
**Present Perfect** ("I have done") → for actions that connect past to **now**
- I **have visited** Amsterdam three times. (total experience, time not important)
- She **has finished** the project. (it's done now, result matters)
- I **have lived** in Toronto **since** 2020. (started in past, still true now)
**Key signals:**
| Past Simple | Present Perfect |
|---|---|
| yesterday, last week, in 2020, ago | already, yet, ever, never, just, since, for |
**Common common English error:**
❌ "I have visited Amsterdam last year." (mixing perfect + specific past time)
✅ "I visited Amsterdam last year." OR "I have visited Amsterdam (before)."
Examples
I visited the Red Fort when I was in London.
I have never eaten sushi.
She has worked at Salesforce for five years.
💡 In common English, people often overuse Present Perfect. Remember: if you mention a specific past time (yesterday, in 2019, last month), use Past Simple!