Past Simple Tense Time Expressions
Past simple tense talks about definite past events. Therefore, we need to use time expressions that establish a separation between past and present.
for example...
We went to Los Angelos last summer.
Mary ate only a small sandwich yesterday.
Tim started a new book two days ago.
I joined a wonderful Facebook group in 2013.
My father quit his job on 21 October.
for example... They had a great time when we were at the amusement park. Maggie started her new job when she went to the USA. |
We can use Present Perfect Time Expressions
Present Perfect tense talks about indefinite past events. Therefore, we need to use time expressions that establish a connection between the past and the present.
for example...
I've watched this film many times.
I've just finished the book.
Tom has already finished his assignment.
Have you ever been to China?
I haven't completed my essay yet.
My sister hasn't seen a whale before.
Where do we use Since or For?
We usually use "since" or "for" with Present Perfect tense. They express a situation which started in the past and continues up to the present. We use since to talk about a starting point in the past and we use for to talk about a period.
for example...
I've been here since this morning.
I've been here for eight hours.
Tom's had this car since he came to London.
Tom's had this car for ten years.
