Present Perfect Vs. Past Simple 1) John Lennon made a lot of records 2) Julian Lennon has made a lot of records What’s the difference in meaning between the following sentences?
John Lennon made a lot of records John Lennon’s making records does not have anything to do with the present now. (Infact, he is dead). The Past Simple expresses a past action that is now finished.
Julian Lennon has made a lot of records Julian Lennon has made a lot of records. Julian Lennon has been in the music business since he was 19 (and he still is in the music business). The Present Perfect expresses what has happened before now. The action can continue to the present, and probably into the future.
Past Simple : I broke my leg (maybe last year, two months ago etc Past Simple : I broke my leg (maybe last year, two months ago etc.) but now maybe she’s feeling ok
Present Perfect: I’ve broken my leg and still he has got it broken Present Perfect: I’ve broken my leg and still he has got it broken! No doubt about it!
What time expressions do we use with the Past Simple? For Last year Last month/ Last night In 1965 Five years ago Yesterday morning At 5 o’clock This morning/afternoon
What time expressions do we use with the Present Perfect? Ever, never Recently, Just, already, yet Always For since
When do we use for and since with the Present Perfect? I’ve worked here for twenty years We use for with a period of time I’ve worked here since 1994 We use since with a point in time