Question : I’m sorry that I ______(not raise) the curtain,but I will do it now.
--The answer is haven't raised . Can I say did't raise ? why?
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3Didn't raise would also fit, although, if the apology is in response to a complaint about present conditions (e.g. the room being dark), haven't raised might be more appropriate.– Kate BuntingCommented Mar 18, 2021 at 16:23
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3Does this answer your question? When should I use "didn't" instead of "haven't"? Also “I didn't do it” vs “I haven't done it” - When do you use which? and I haven't noticed that vs. I didn't notice that, among others.– FumbleFingersCommented Mar 18, 2021 at 17:23
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1 Answer
The present perfect is used when there is a present effect or consequence, in this case the curtains are still closed and therefore the room is dark or stuffy or whatever. So the curtains being closed is somehow relevant to now. I personally find closed curtains during the day quite depressing, for example.
With the past simple there is no present effect, it is only about the past, there is no relevance to the present. If you add an adverb of time, like "this morning" when it is now afternoon, the past simple is fine.
