Present Perfect, Simple Past and Simple Present Comparison

Use the present perfect for situations that involve both the past and the present.

  1. Actions or states that started in the past and continue into the present
    I have worked for Hilton Hotels for ten years.
    → I still work for them.
  2. Past actions with a present result
    Damian has worked late.
    → He’s probably tired right now. (The focus is on the result in the present.)
  3. Past actions that occurred in an unfinished time frame.
    They have archived those files today.
    → The day is not finished yet.

Use the simple past (a) for situations that are limited to a specific moment or period in the past. Use the simple present (b) to express facts and general statements.

    1. Actions or states that finished in the past
      I worked for Hilton Hotels for ten years.
      → I don’t work there anymore.
    2. Actions or states presented without a time reference
      I work for Hilton Hotel.
      → I do not give any information about specific time frames.
    1. Focus on the past actions
      Damian worked late last night.
      → This is simply information on what Damian did last night.
    2. Facts or habits
      Damian works late at night.
      → In general, Damian works the evening shift.
    1. Past actions that occurred in a finished time frame.
      They archived those files yesterday.
      (Yesterday is finished.)
    2. Habits and repeated actions
      They archive files.
      (It’s their job.)

The client is always right – Grammar – Part 3