Past simple: a finished time
Use it when you say, or both people know, when it happened.
I arrived in Perth in 2022. · We had a meeting yesterday.
Time words: yesterday, last week, in 2020, two days ago, when I was a child
Present perfect: the time isn't finished, or the result matters now
I've lived here for three years. (still living here) · I've lost my keys. (I can't get in now) · Have you ever been to Uluru? (any time in your life)
Time words: ever, never, already, yet, just, since, for, so far, this week
The quick test
Can you add a finished time like yesterday or last year? If yes, use the past simple. ~~I have seen him yesterday~~ → I saw him yesterday.
In Australian English
Like British English, Australian English uses the present perfect more than American English: I've just eaten is more common than I just ate, though you'll hear both.
Quick quiz
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