1 / We use the Present Perfect to describe actions at an undetermined time in the past, because the main idea we want to convey is what happened and when it happened is not important. When the time is mentioned (explicitly) or it’s implicit, we use the Past Simple.
I have bought that beautiful dress.
2 / We also use the Present Perfect to describe unfinished actions that started at a certain time in the past. To describe an action that took place in the past but is no longer valid, true or in progress, we use the Past Simple.
Sue lived in Ohio for 3 years before moving to England. (the action described with the verb “to live” is no longer valid or true, she doesn’t live in Ohio anymore.)
We have lived here since 1998 and we refrain from moving because we love the neighborhood. (the action started in 1998 and is still valid, they still live at the same place.)
3 / We use the Present Perfect to describe several actions that have repeated from a certain time in the past. To refer to single actions in the past we use the Past Simple.
We have been to Europe three or for times this year.
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