The SIMPLE PAST VS PRESENT PERFECT

SIMPLE PAST

The simple past is used for an action which happened at a definite time in the past. The time

is started, already known or implied.

We use the simple past to talk about lives or people who are no longer alive, even if the time

is not stated.
We use the simple past for an action which began and finish in the past.

PRESENT PERFECT

The present perfect is used for an action which happened at an unstated time in the past, that

is, when the exact time is neither mentioned nor.

We use the present perfect or the present perfect continuous for an action which started in

the past an continues up to the present.

We use the present perfect to announce a piece of news, and the simple past or simple past
continuous to give more details about it.