Past simple =I workedPresent perfect =I have worked
Definite time in the past
We use the past simple to refer to definite time in the past (when we specify the time or how long) and usually with past time expressions such asyesterday,two weeks ago, last year, in 1995:
Wemetin January 1975. Wewentto America together in 1978.
Not:We have met in January 1975. We have gone to America together in 1978.
Time up to now
We use the present perfect to talk about time up to now, that is, events that took place in the past but which connect with the present. The present perfect is often used with time expressions which indicate time up to now, for exampletoday, this year, in the last six months:
Ihaven’t seenher since January 1995.
Not:I didn’t see her since January 1995.
| The last time I saw her was over 20 years ago. |
| I saw her last week but the last time I saw her before last week was over 20 years ago. |
| Definite time in the past. I finished my homework at a time in the past (one hour ago). |
| From a time in the past up to now. I started my homework at a time in the past and it is not finished yet (yetmeans ‘up to now’). |
| Definite time in the past. We had a good day in the past (yesterday). |
| From a time in the past up to now. The day has been good until now but it hasn’t finished yet. |
| Definite time in the past (last week). |
| From the beginning of the week until now. |
| Today is not finished but it is almost the end of the day and past lunchtime. |
| It is still today and not too late to have lunch. |
See also:
Present perfect simple (I have worked)