A: Have you seen Chris today?
B: Yes, I have. I saw him about an hour ago.
Finished Times
Do not use the present perfect with finished times:
Examples of Finished Times
- yesterday
- in 2008
- when I was a child
- three days ago
- last Tuesday
- a year ago
I saw that movie last week.
(I have seen)
We met each other last night for dinner.
(We have met)
I took the bus this morning.
(I have taken)
(This morning is finished. Now it is evening.)
Always use the past with ago:
- Susan arrived an hour ago.
- I woke up ten minutes ago.
- Class has already started. It started five minutes ago.
When & What Time?
We also do not use the present perfect when we ask questions with when or what time:
When did you move to this city?
What time did you finish work last night?
When did they meet?
How Long?
We use the present perfect to describe things that continue now. If they are finished, use the past:
We've been married for six years.
(We are married now.)
We were married for six years.
(We are not married anymore.)
It has been raining for six hours.
(It's still raining now.)
It rained for six hours last night.
(This is now finished.)
How long have you been working at the restaurant?
(You are working there now.)
How long did you work at the restaurant?
(This is finished.)
Compare
| Present Perfect | Past |
|---|---|
| Jill and Tom have left. (They are not here now.) |
Jill and Tom left an hour ago. |
| Her computer has broken. (It is not working now.) |
Her computer broke yesterday. |
| Have you ever been to Japan? (in your life) |
Did you go to Japan last year? |
| My bus hasn't come yet. (until now) |
My bus didn't come this morning. I had to take a taxi. |
| He has been here since 8 o'clock. (He is still here.) |
He arrived at 8 o'clock. |
| We have had our house for two years. (We have our house now.) |
We had our house for two years. (We don't have our house now.) |
Exercise
Please click the Exercise link to continue.