Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

I was taught that "ago" is used with Past Simple, NEVER with Present Perfect. This is still true?

a. He left a few minutes ago. [correct]
b. He has left a few minutes ago. [incorrect]

If we use "just", then the Present Perfect form would be acceptable.

c. He has just left. [correct]

To me, a. and c. mean the same thing. Does the use of Past Simple is simly triggered by the word "ago" regardless of the "time" of the occurrence?

What about "a few minutes earlier"? Do we use Past Simple or Present Perfect?

d. He left a few minutes earlier.
e. He has left a few minutes earlier.

I need the grammatically acceptable answer because I'm preparing for a test.

Thank you.

Nawee

[Lorikeet]

The grammatical "rule" is that you don't use present perfect with past tense words.

"He's just left" may have the same time frame, but the emphasis is on the importance to the time of speaking. "He's just left. Maybe you can catch him in the parking lot."

"He left a few minutes earlier." is okay. It doesn't sound correct tp me with a present perfect.