The children have played for two hours, and they are having snacks and juice now.

[Alice Chu]

“Have played” and “played” in the sentences below refer to an action which lasted for two hours and was finished before now.

Are there any other differences between them?



1. The children have played for two hours, and they are having snacks and juice now.

2. The children played for two hours, and they are having snacks and juice now.

 

[Tdol]

The first links the play more closely to the snacks and juice for me- they need some nutrition. Others may see things differently.

 

[emsr2d2]

To link them more closely, I'd use "so".

The children have been playing for two hours so they need snacks and juice now.

 

[5jj]

1. The children have played for two hours, and they are having snacks and juice now.

2. The children played for two hours, and they are having snacks and juice now.

I see it as the normal difference between the present perfect and the past simple.

1. The present relevance of the past playing to the present consumption of refreshment is suggested.
2. The simple sequence of the past playing and the present consumption of refreshment is suggested.