What is the diffirence between simple past and present perfect tense in English?
In plain terms, Past Simple concentrates on some actions taking part in the past with no relevance to the present moment. At the same time, Present Perfect can as well express an action which took place in the past, but its result is relevant to the present moment. For example, if you say “I lost my keys”, the listener will not know for sure where your keys are now, at the the moment of speaking. You may have found them later and they are resting peacefully in your pocket, or you may have lost them for good. Simple Past does not provide this information by itself. However, if you say “I have lost my keys”, it will be clear to the listener that your keys are definitely not with you right now. Another usage of Present Perfect is parallel of that of Present Perfect Progressive and implies an action which started in the past and has been going on up till now (including or excluding the present moment). For instance, if you say “I lived in London”, the listener will understand that you do n
“present perfect” is a conflict of terms. I think you mean “past perfect”. Simple past is for describing past events, and expresses no particular time. “I went to the shops” (yesterday, or at some other past time) and then I did something else. Note that simple past “did” follows the simple past, there. Past perfect is for an event recently completed – “perfect” means complete. “I have been to the shops” (this morning, or whatever the recent time in question may be) and now I am making lunch or whatever. Note that present tense “am” follows the past perfect, there, because the past actions are now complete.
