Present perfect or past simple?

The past simple often tells us about a finished past time. The present perfect connects a past action or experience to the present.

Name a finished time with the past simple

“I completed the course last month.”

“We sent the report yesterday.”

Expressions such as yesterday, last year, and in 2023 normally go with the past simple when they identify a finished time.

Connect to now with the present perfect

“I have completed the course, so I can start the next module.”

“She has worked with customers before.”

Form it with have/has + past participle. For example: have written, has sent, have finished. A specific finished date is not given in these examples.

Ask about experience

“Have you used this software before?” asks about experience up to now. A reply may switch to the past simple for detail: “Yes, I used it during my internship last year.”

There are differences in usage between varieties of English, but the finished-time distinction is a useful starting point.

Your turn

Choose: “I ___ the training yesterday.” completed or have completed?

Show the answer

“I completed the training yesterday.” The word “yesterday” names a finished past time. Without that time expression, “I have completed the training” can emphasise the present result.