Tense Usage – Proper Tense in “I’ve Tested the Program and It Works”

present-perfectpresent-simple

Let's consider the conversation:

  • This program doesn't work with this input data.
  • I've tested the program with this input data and it does work.

Is it right to use the present perfect here? Or does the simple past sound more natural?

  • I tested the program with this input data and it does work.

I suppose both variants are correct, right? But which one is more natural?

Best Answer

While both tenses are idiomatic and correct, the choice between present perfect and past generally depends on the context.

If you had recently tested the program, you would be more likely to say I have tested....

If your statement related back to a test that you had carried out in the past (whether last month, last year or whatever) you are more likely to say I tested.... With the use of the past tense, one frequently gives the approximate date.

I tested the programme last week/month/year and it does work.

Related Topic