student asking question

Why is present perfect tense used in this fragment (you've changed)? Can't I use just "you changed" instead? And when can I use the present perfect?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Present perfect is usually used to refer to an action or state that has occurred in the past and continues has an effect in the present. Ellen is stating her obligation to have the guests introduce themselves, as they "have changed" since the last time they were on her show. Simple past here would imply the action ended in the past and has no effect on the present. Ex. Her English has improved since she started using RedKiwi. Ex. She has been to Texas three times since last year.

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