We received vs We have received

[jhol98]

Hi I am a newbie here, I wish someone here can enlighten me the differences/ correctness between/of the followings 2 sentences:-

a) We received the document this morning. (simple past tense)
b) We have received the document this morning. (present perfect tense)

May I know which one is correct? It is simple but I am puzzling :-(

Many thanks.

 

[5jj]

a) We received the document this morning. (simple past tense)
b) We have received the document this morning. (present perfect tense)

The first is fine in BrE, especially if uttered after midday (when the morning is past). It is possible before noon.
The second is the most natural in BrE if uttered before midday. It is possible if uttered after midday, but not common

 

[jhol98]

Many thanks :-D

For argument sake, Simple Past Tense is use for action started and finished at a specific time in the past whereas Present Perfect Tense is use for action happened at an unspecified time before now.

And in this context, we know the action was happened and finished in the morning (past at a specific time), why present perfect tense is still correct here?

 

[Barb_D]

The time is not really that specific when you are still in the midst of the time period referred to:
We have seen some pretty scenery on our trip (and our trip is still in progress).
I have run a lot of errands today (and today is still in progress -- not suitable once it's evening)
We have received the documents this morning (and it's still morning -- not suitable once it's afternoon)