[Grammar] present perfect & simple past

[SecurityLinux]

Hello,

I have a confusion in these tense because the first one 'present perfect' does not exist in my language 'Arabic'

I'd like to know when I use each one 'all situation' and a few examples please,

Thanks in advance!

 

[SlickVic9000]

(Not a Teacher)

Sometimes they're interchangeable. But when I think of present perfect, I think of a recently completed action. Simple past is more flexible in that it can refer to completed actions in both the 'near' and 'far' past.

 

[SecurityLinux]

thanks but I want some examples !

 

[SlickVic9000]

(Not a Teacher)

In some cases PP and SP are interchangeable, but other times they cannot be switched without changing the meaning or frame of reference:

"They have come a long way." (Suggests that 'they' are still present)
"They came a long way." (Suggest that 'they' have all ready come and gone)

"Our party guests have arrived." (Your guests have just pulled in and are now present)
"Our party guests arrived." (This sounds like you're telling a friend about it some time after the party)

I hope these examples are at least a little helpful.