PAST SIMPLE vs. PRESENT PERFECT

Past Tense Simple

An idea that an action started and finished in a specific moment in the past

eg: I played football yesterday.

Did I play football yesterday?

I did not play football yesterday.

Present Perfect

An action which started in the past and continuous up till the present

eg: I have been a teacher for 5 years.

We haven't seen Jim since Friday.

How long have you been in this school?

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect

Certain time in the pasteg: I phoned Mary two minutes ago

Certain event in the pasteg: He went to Canada Last summer

Emphasis on actioneg: I bought a new bike. (just telling

what I did in the past)

Just / already / not yeteg: I have just phoned Mary

Whether / how often / till now

eg: Have you ever been to Canada?

Emphasis on resulteg: I have bought a new bike. (With this

sentence I actually want to express that I have a new bike now.)