El Pretérito Perfecto vs. preterite

Question

Las chicas ________ el desfile de moda.
The girls saw the fashion show.
(HINT: Conjugate “ver” in El Pretérito Perfecto)

without the hint, would vieron be more appropriate? i'm having a hard time differentiating, and would not think preterito perfecto was correct here.

additionally, la costurera ha deshecho todos los puntos de la falda - why wouldn't this also just be deshizo? (preterite)? there isn't really anything connecting it to the present ?

Silvia Piriz · Accepted Answer

Hola K. M.
Great question! The difference between Pretérito Perfecto and Pretérito Indefinido (preterite) can be subtle. In the sentence “Las chicas ______ el desfile de moda”, if the hint is to use the Pretérito Perfecto, the correct form of ver is “han visto” — Las chicas han visto el desfile de moda.
This tense is often used when the action has occurred recently or has some connection to the present moment (e.g. today, this week). If the event happened earlier today or still feels relevant, “han visto” makes sense. As for your second example — “La costurera ha deshecho todos los puntos de la falda” — using “ha deshecho” implies that the result of the action still matters now (e.g. the skirt is still unstitched or being worked on). If the action was completed and is viewed as entirely in the past with no current relevance, “deshizo” (preterite) could also be valid. In general, Pretérito Perfecto is used when there’s a present connection, while Pretérito Indefinido is for completed past actions with no link to the present.
Saludos
Silvia