Past simple: a finished time
Use it when you say, or both people know, when it happened.
I arrived in Perth in 2022. · We had a meeting yesterday.
Time words: yesterday, last week, in 2020, two days ago, when I was a child
Present perfect: the time isn't finished, or the result matters now
I've lived here for three years. (still living here) · I've lost my keys. (I can't get in now) · Have you ever been to Uluru? (any time in your life)
Time words: ever, never, already, yet, just, since, for, so far, this week
The quick test
Can you add a finished time like yesterday or last year? If yes, use the past simple. ~~I have seen him yesterday~~ → I saw him yesterday.
In Australian English
Like British English, Australian English uses the present perfect more than American English: I've just eaten is more common than I just ate, though you'll hear both.
Quick quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the present perfect and the past simple?
The past simple is for finished times (I finished in 2020); the present perfect links the past to now (I've finished).
Can I use 'yesterday' with the present perfect?
No. With finished time words (yesterday, last week, in 2019), use the past simple.
Which is used in Australian English?
Both, with the same rules as British English.