present perfect vs. past simple

[ardent]

Hi all,

Firstly, in a test I recently took I had to choose the right answer between two options:

I ...... to him for the past month.

A) didn't speak

B) haven't spoken

According to the key, B) is the right one. I don’t understand why very well.


Secondly, does

I haven’t spoken to him for the past month

mean the same as

I haven’t spoken to him since the past month?

Regards, Ardent

[Ultimeaciax]

"I haven't spoken to him for past few months" is indeed a correct choice and here's why.

[Tdol]

When you have 'the past/last month', it refers to a period of time equal to a month (ie about 30 days coming up to today).

I spoke to him last month. = in November (finished time period)
I haven't spoken to him for the past month. = in the 30-day time period coming up to today