Grammar snack

The uses of the Simple Past, Present Perfect and Present Perfect
Continuous tenses.
Grammar snack
Why is the Simple Past used in the following sentences?

“ I saw Paul last night.”

To talk about a finished event that happened at a specific time in the past.

“Did your parents read to you when you were a child?”

To talk about a habit in the past.

“That house belonged to my father for many years.”

To talk about a state in the past.
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Why is the Present Perfect used in the following sentences?
“ I’ve always wanted to be an actor”
“I’ve never entered a surfing competition.”
“Have you ever been to Australia?”
“She’s seen that movie at least three times.”
“It’s the worse concert I’ve ever been to.”
“We haven’t had a holiday this year.”
To talk about states, or single or repeated actions, over a period of time up to
and including the present (often with adverbs and/or time expressions).
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Why is the Present Perfect used in the following sentences?

“ I’ve already seen that film.”

“Our friends have just arrived.”
“Have you had breakfast yet?”
“I haven’t finished studying yet.”

To talk about completed single actions, with some relevance to the present.
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Why is the P.P.Continuous used in the following sentences?

“ A: Why are you out of breath? B: I’ve been running.”

“ I’ve been playing squash and I need a shower!”

To talk about a recent completed activity when the effects of that activity are
still relevant.
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Why is the P.P.Continuous used in the following sentences?

“ I’ve been replying to emails all morning.”

“Has he been training ever since last year?”

“Miguel has been kicking a football against the wall all day!”

To talk about an action that’s been going on for a long time, or that’s been
repeated many times. The action MAY or MAY NOT be finished.
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Why is the P.P.Continuous used in the following sentences?

“ Susan’s been living with us for four years but she’s going to move
to her own house soon.”
To suggest an activity is temporary.

“ We’ve been looking for a house for ages, and still…nothing!”

To suggest that an action is not completed.