Common usage of simple past / present perfect

Question

Hello community,I need the help of a native concerning the distinction of the abovementioned time forms. I have already checked the theory behind it but I am still unsure about the distinction in practice. For example, please consider the two following examples:- Have you been to Octoberfest in 2017?- Did you visit Octoberfest from abroad?Are both correct or would the simple past in the first example be more appropriate? And even if this would be the case, do native speakers sometimes use present perfect when simple past would be more appropriate? When I read or talk, I sometimes get the feeling that the distinction is not as strict as the theory suggests - or I simply don't get the theory. I'd be very grateful if someone could help me out. Thanks a lot in advance!Best,Daniel

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Step One is to master just one basic fact: You cannot use the present perfect in a sentence which fixes the time of the situation portrayed in the sentence.

Situation: You have been to Octoberfest.
Time: 2017.

So your first example (Have you been to Octoberfest in 2017?) is wrong.

As for your second example, either present perfect or past is possible because no particular time is established at which the situation might have occurred.

Have you visited Octoberfest from abroad? seems to imply the additional phrase at any time in your life.
Did you visit Octoberfest from abroad? seems to be confined to one particular visit which may have occurred recently or many years ago.

blue apple 488I sometimes get the feeling that the distinction is not as strict as the theory suggests

That depends on what theory you're referring to, but you may be right.

There are many sentences in which both the present perfect and the past are fine.

CJ

Common usage of simple past / present perfect

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