7 Present perfect vs Past simple Read the theory. Are there similar structures in your language? haven't We use the present perfect for actions which started in the past and continue to the present or for personal experiences. I've lived here since 2002. He's flown a plane. We use the past simple for actions which happened in the past. The time is stated or it is implied. He went to the lake last Saturday. (When? Last Saturday) Then they walked home. (When? Implied time - after they left the lake) nswe asten