Simple past vs present perfect ‘Simple past vs. present perfect ‘Simple past for situations that started and ended in the past vs. present perfect for things that started in the past but continue in the moment The simple past tense describes an action that started and ended in the past, while the present perfect tense describes situations that staried in the past but continue up to the present and maybe into the future. Past: John worked as a waiter for two years when he was in college. Present perfect: Carol has worked as an engineer since 1998. — Simple past vs. present perfect ‘Simple past to emphasize when something happened vs. present perfect to emphasize that something happened, without indicating when The simple past emphasizes when something happened, and the present perfect ‘emphasizes its impact on the present. Peter graduated from college in 2001. (at a known point in the past: 2001) Alice has graduated from college, and is working in the city. (exactly when is unknown) ? ‘Ali Mzé Said: amsyous@live.fr Source : Advanced Dictionary of American English (Collins 2009)