1. Specific past time expressions

• yesterday
• last night
• last week
• last month
• last year
• last weekend
• the other day

Example
I spoke to him yesterday.

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2. Time expressions with ago

• a minute ago
• an hour ago
• two days ago
• a week ago
• months ago
• years ago
• a long time ago

Example
She finished the report two hours ago.

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3. Specific past dates or periods

• in 1995
• in 2010
• in the 18th century
• during the war
• during the meeting

Example
The company started in 2008.

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4. Finished time periods

• earlier today
• this morning (when the morning is finished)
• this afternoon (when the afternoon is finished)
• tonight (later referred to as finished)

Example
I saw him this morning.

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5. Sequence / narrative markers (story past)

These are often used when telling stories.

• then
• after that
• later
• suddenly
• immediately

Example
Then the alarm rang.

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6. Contrast markers for past situations

• when
• while
• before
• after
• as soon as

Example
When the police arrived, the thieves ran away.

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7. Finished past events

• once
• one day
• at that time
• at first
• in the end

Example
One day he decided to leave the company.

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Important note for learners

In English we normally use the simple past when the time is finished and clearly in the past.

Example

I finished the report yesterday.

But when the time continues until now, English usually uses the present perfect.

Example

I have finished the report today.

Here is a clear list of common keywords that often signal the Present Perfect.

These words usually (but not always) connect the past with the present.

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1. Time continuing until now

• today
• this week
• this month
• this year
• recently
• lately

Example
I have spoken to the manager today.

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2. Unfinished time expressions

These mean the time period is still continuing.

• so far
• until now
• up to now
• to date

Example
We have received three applications so far.

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3. Experience (life experience)

These words often ask if something has ever happened.

• ever
• never
• before

Examples

Have you ever visited London?
I have never seen that film before.

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4. Recent events

These words show something just happened or happened very recently.

• just
• already
• yet

Examples

I have just finished the report.
She has already left.
Have you finished yet?

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5. Duration from the past until now

These words show how long something has continued.

• since
• for
• all day
• all week
• all year
• all morning

Examples

I have lived here for ten years.
She has worked here since 2018.

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6. Repeated actions up to now

• several times
• many times
• a few times

Example

I have visited Paris several times.

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Quick comparison (very useful for learners)

Past → finished time

• yesterday
• last week
• in 2015
• two days ago

Example

I met him yesterday.

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Present Perfect → time connected to now

• today
• this week
• so far
• recently

Example

I have met him twice this week.