The Past Simple is quite different from the Present Perfect.
The Past Simple is used to explain the finished past.
- My great grandfather worked with many patients. (He's dead.)
- I've worked with many patients. (I'm alive.)
When we use the Past Simple, there is no focus on a present result.
- I cut my finger. (It might be fine now.)
- I've cut my finger. (It's bleeding now.)
- He bought health insurance. (He may not have health insurance.)
- He's bought health insurance. (He has health insurance now.)
The Past Simple is used to describe things in the definite past.
- We removed a tumor. (definite)
- We have removed a tumor. (indefinite)
- He was in a coma last year. (definite)
- He has been in a coma. (indefinite)
- Did you get food poisoning last night? (definite)
- Have you gotten poisoning? (indefinite)
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