Time reference

Past simple = no connection with now.

He lived in Madrid when he was a kid.
Simon went to New York in1996.
The Smiths bought a new car the other day.
Andy got a headache from not wearng his glasses.

Present Perfect = a connection with now. Don't say exactly when something
happened.
Result now. I've lost my keys ( I haven't got them now)
To give news. Mary has had a baby.
Experiences in all your life up to now. Have you ever been to Brazl? He's never
seen anyone famous in real life.
Something started in the past and is true now. I have known Brian for 10 years.
We have lived here since 2009. Paul has sttudied Engliish for 6 months.
Questions with “how long”? How long have you worked here? How long has Mary
had short hair? How long have your parents been divorced?
With “Just” for a short time ago. I don't want anything to eat because I've just had
breakfast.
With questions with YET. Have you seen the new Spiderman film yet?
With already. Tom has already finished his homework.
With already in questions to indicate surprise. Has Jane arrived already? That's
early.
 PAST CONNECTION WITH
PRESENT
1. two days ago X

2. this morning (it is now 11am) X

3. this morning (it is now 3pm)

4. yesterday
5. today
6. last year / month / week
7. in the last year / month / week
8. at Christmas
9. on my birthday
10. since last year
11. last night
12. when he was a child
13. in 2008
14. since 2008
15. five minutes ago
16. in the last five minutes
17. then
18. once upon a time
19. lately
during the summer (it is now
20.
December)