Present Perfect vs Past Simple

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 as yesterday, two weeks ago, last year, in
1995:
We met in January 1975. We went to 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 example, recently, lately, ever, yet, this year, in the last six
months, up to now:
I haven’t seen her since January 1995.
Not: I didn’t see her since January 1995.
Compare
Present perfect Simple past
I have lived in Lyon. I lived in Lyon in 1989.
They have eaten Thai food. They ate Thai food last night.
Have you seen 'Star Wars'? Where did you see 'Star Wars'?
We have been to Ireland. When did you go to Ireland?
I haven’t seen her for over 20 years. The last time I saw her was over 20 years ago.
I haven’t finished my homework yet. I finished my homework an hour ago
We have had a good day so far. We had a good day yesterday.
We didn’t see Diana last week. We haven’t seen Diana this week.
I didn’t have any lunch today. I haven’t had any lunch today.

Exercises:
I. Now complete the following with the correct form:
1. Did you like the new 'Bond' movie? I ______________it yet.
haven't seen/did not see
2. Fred is a very close friend of mine. We ______________each other for years, since we were
ten.
have known/knew
3. Do you know what time Sarah ______________the office?
has left/left
4. You ______________late for work too many times this year. If you’re not careful you’ll be
fired.
have been/were
5. I ______________quite a few financial problems last year but this year things are getting better.
Had/have had
6. We had an exchange student from France who ______________the sea so we’re taking him to a
beach this weekend.
never saw/has never seen
7. Since I started working here I ______________more experienced at dealing with people.
Became/have become
8. I can't remember the last time I ______________to the theatre.
have been/went
II. Put the verbs in parentheses in the present perfect or simple past.
A. _____________ you ever ______________ abroad? (travel)
B. Yes, I ______________ to Peru last year. (go)
A. ______________ you ever ______________ any countries in Asia? (visit)
B. Yes, I have. I ______________ to South Korea a few years ago. (go)
A. Who ______________ you ______________ with? (go)
B. My husband. I was a work trip and his company ______________ for everything. (pay)
A. How wonderful! How ______________ you ______________ there? (get)
B. We ______________. (fly)
A. Where ______________ you ______________ ? (stay)
B. We ______________ a suite in a five-star hotel. It was beautiful! (have)
A. ______________ the company ______________ you on any other trips recently? (take)
B. No. My husband ______________ working there a year later, so that was our only trip. (stop)
A. Too bad!
III. Write six sentences about yourself: three in simple past and three in present perfect.