PRESENT PERFECT OR SIMPLE PAST?

So, time to talk about one of my favorite topics! The so-called Present Perfect!


Observe these two examples:

I have lived in Europe.

I lived in Europe in 2008.

As you know, I've been living in Brazil for 8 years now, which means that I obviously do not live in Europe. What can be inferred by both sentences then? That they are about my past.


So, what's the difference? Why do we have two sentences to talk about the same thing?

I have lived in Europe. [the focus is on the activity]

I lived in Europe in 2008. [the focus is on the time]

Therefore, the Present Perfect is the past with no time.


That the PP is very flexible. And you can move it to closer past (like, five minutes ago):

I've just arrived.

Stress that something is still being expected:

She hasn't arrived yet.

Or that something has certainly happened:

I've already told you a million times, but you won't listen.


Do you find it easier now? Why don't you try it HERE and HERE then?

See you!
J.