Present Perfect (since/for) vs. Past Simple: B1 Narrative Rules

We use two different tenses depending on whether we care about when something happened or just if it happened.

Use Present Perfect (have/has + V3) for experiences in your life (at any time) or actions that relate to now.

I have seen a strange light in the sky. (Experience - when? Doesn't matter). ✅

Use Past Simple (V2) when you mention a specific time in the past.

Present Perfect	Past Simple
ever, never, since, for, yet, already	yesterday, in 1990, last week, ago

❌ Wrong	✅ Correct	Why
I have seen it yesterday.	I saw it yesterday.	'Yesterday' is a finished time.
I never went to the Triangle.	I have never been there.	Life experience needs Present Perfect.