English · B1 · grammar · 5 minutes
Past simple or present perfect
Choose between a finished past time and a past event connected to the present.
Understand the choice
The choice is not simply “recent versus old.” Last year closes the time window, while yet extends the question of seeing the sequel through the present.
Core rule: Past simple pairs with a finished time; present perfect uses have/has + participle for unfinished time, experience, or a present result.
Notice it in context
I saw that film last year, but I have not seen the sequel yet.
Vi esa película el año pasado, pero todavía no he visto la secuela.
Saw belongs to last year; have not seen plus yet describes experience up to now.
She has visited Berlin twice, and she went there again in May.
Two visits belong to her life experience; one specifically happened in May.
Has visited is unspecific experience; went attaches to a finished date.
Did you call him yesterday, or have you forgotten?
Was there a call on the finished day, or is forgetting the current explanation?
Did marks finished time; have forgotten explains the present situation.
What to remember
- A present result can favor present perfect even when the event itself was brief.
- American English sometimes uses past simple where British English strongly prefers present perfect, especially with just/already/yet.
Common trap: Do not combine present perfect with a finished-time expression such as yesterday in neutral standard usage.