What is the difference between past and present perfect?
Past action vs past-to-present action
Past tense describes an action that happened at a particular time in the past. Present perfect describes an action that started in the past but is ongoing.
Past action vs relevant past action
Past tense describes an action that happened in the past. Present perfect refers to a past action when it is relevant to the present.
Past tense describes an action that happened at a particular time in the past. Present perfect describes an action that started in the past but is ongoing.
- I lived in New Zealand from February to April. [vs] I have lived in New Zealand since February.
- He was confident that he could beat me before our fight. [vs] He has been confident that he can beat me for too long.
Past action vs relevant past action
Past tense describes an action that happened in the past. Present perfect refers to a past action when it is relevant to the present.
- I went to Italy last summer. [vs] I have been to Italy in the summer but not in the winter.
- (Did you do your laundry?) I did my laundry yesterday. [vs] (You can't go out until your laundry is done.) I have already done my laundry.
