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Is it non-grammatical / incorrect to say:

  • I just received a call from my friend.
  • I just got your email.
  • I just read your email.
  • I just came from a store.

Compared to:

  • I have just received a call from my friend.
  • I have just got your email.
  • I have just read your email.
  • I have just came from a store.

I looked this up as well before asking the question and learned that "have just" usage is often a British English usage. However, I am not completely sure if it is okay to omit the 'have' or not in American usage or, it is incorrect.

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It’s informal to use the past simple with the adverb “just”. Adverbs that connect the past to the present are often used with the present perfect. Therefore, it’s correct to use:

  • I have just received a call from my friend. (not... I just received a call from my friend)
  • Have you seen Alison lately? (not Did you see...)

Other adverbs that are used in the same manner include already, since (last week), so far, still, yet.

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