Time Expression in Simple Past vs.

Present Perfect Tense

In English there are some words and phrases that often show the time tense in which
the action or event happened. They are called time expressions or time adverbials.
Simple Past Time Expressions:
• Ago: indicates how far back in time something happened.
Examples:
- I went to Paris two years ago.
- I came a lot time ago.
- The plane landed a few hours ago.

• Last: refers to the most present time while still talking about the past.
Examples:
- Last year, I travelled to Canada.
- I watched the final episode last night.
- She arrived last September.

• Yesterday: the day before today.

Examples:
- We went to the park yesterday.
- Julian visited us yesterday morning.
- I bought that the day before yesterday.

• Prepositions: in, on and at refer to a certain time in the past according to days,
months, years, etc.
Examples:
- Richard lived here in 1995.
- Miguel was born on August 15.
- You spoke at noon.
Present Perfect Time Expressions:
• Just: refers to events that occurred recently.
Examples:
- I have just left the house.
- He has just called.
- They have just brought that.

• Already: an event that has happened before the present time.

Examples:
- I have already eaten.
- It has already started.
- She has already gone to her hometown.

• Yet: events that have been happening up until now.

Examples:
- Have you finished your homework yet?
- I have not spoken yet.
- We have not bought it yet.

• For: refers to a certain period of time.

Examples:
- I have experienced that for a while now.
- You have lived there for five months.
- Have you stayed in this neighborhood for the weekend?

• Since: refers to a specific point in time.

Examples:
- I have finished it since yesterday
 - Have you practiced it since November?
- We have been together since a long time ago.

• Ever/never: express an idea in a time before now.

Examples:
- I have never done that.
- Have you ever travelled to Indonesia?
- She has never eaten fish before.