Present Perfect or Past Simple?

What's the difference? Present Perfect and Past Simple

• I've known Julie for ten years (and I still know her).

• I knew Julie for ten years (but then she moved away and we lost touch).

• My brother has been to Mexico three times.

• My great-grandmother went to Mexico three times.

• I've lost my keys! (The result is that I can't get into my house now).

• I lost my keys yesterday. It was terrible! (Now there is no result. I got new keys yesterday).

• I've seen John this week.

• I saw John last week.

1. We use the past simple for past events or actions which have no connection to the present.
2. We use the present perfect for actions which started in the past and are still happening now OR for finished actions which have a connection to the present.
3. We CAN'T use the present perfect with a finished time word:
   • NOT: I've been to the museum yesterday.

• Present perfect or past simple exercise 1
• Present perfect or past simple exercise 2
• Present perfect or past simple exercise 3
• Present perfect or past simple exercise 4

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