I think we usually use past perfect when the action is still ongoing / continues the the present. For example: “I have started applying for jobs” (meaning you are still applying for jobs in the present) or “ I have lived in the Unites States for my whole life” (still living in the US). However, the bike is no longer outside the house, so this is not an action the continues into the present. The bike was there (in the past) but was also moved to a different location in the past as well, so it is not continuing to be outside of the house in the present. For example “The bike was outside the house, then my brother borrowed it, so it’s not there now.” I suppose you could say “I had put the bike outside the house, but now it’s not there,” and it would make sense, but I don’t think a lot of people was say that in everyday life. It’s much easier to say “the bike was outside but it’s not there now.”

I agree with Rebecca. I English we use the present perfect, where German, French and Italian, if I recall correctly, would use a present tense (with seit/depuis/da). For example: A - I like your coat. B - This old thing?! I have had it for years!"

Lovely. Thank you, that helps a lot! I understand. However, I have two follow up questions to make it even more clear. Your example Stephanie with the coat: Could I use the present perfect progressive? I'd like to point out that I own this coat for years and will still possess it in the future (which is, from my understanding, the use of the perfect progressive). Also, I stumbled (or I've stumbled? As I have a question now?) over another sentence in my book this morning: "Sorry, I'm late. The car broke down on my way here." This sentence is correct with past simple according to the book, but in my opinion the present perfect is also correct here, because: effecting the now. Thanks again for your valuable help.

Hello there, Present perfect and Simple Past have the same meaning and use, However when we use Present Perfect, it indicates that something happened in the past and still has an affect in the future or still exist... in the sentence you see : it was outside of the house. and it is true since it was in the house but now it’s not as the next sentence indicates