Scribd
Upload
621 views1 page

Grammar Present Perfect or Simple Past

The document outlines the key differences between the present perfect and past simple tenses. The present perfect is used for unfinished actions that began in the past and continue to the present, or finished actions that have a present result or relevance. The past simple is used for finished actions without a present connection. Examples are provided to illustrate when to use each tense, such as using the present perfect for actions like "I've known Julie for ten years" but the past simple for "I knew Julie for ten years." Links are included for practice exercises distinguishing between the tenses.

Uploaded by

Andrea
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
621 views1 page

Grammar Present Perfect or Simple Past

The document outlines the key differences between the present perfect and past simple tenses. The present perfect is used for unfinished actions that began in the past and continue to the present, or finished actions that have a present result or relevance. The past simple is used for finished actions without a present connection. Examples are provided to illustrate when to use each tense, such as using the present perfect for actions like "I've known Julie for ten years" but the past simple for "I knew Julie for ten years." Links are included for practice exercises distinguishing between the tenses.

Uploaded by

Andrea
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST SIMPLE

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE PAST SIMPLE


1. Unfinished actions that started in the
1. Finished actions:
past and continue to the present:
 I knew Julie for ten years (but then she moved
 I've known Julie for ten years (and I still
away and we lost touch).
know her).
2. A finished action in someone's life
2. A finished action in someone's life (when
(when the person is still alive: life
the person is dead):
experience):
 My great-grandmother went to Mexico three
 My brother has been to Mexico three
times.
times.
3. A finished action with a result in the 3. A finished action with no result in the
present: present:
 I've lost my keys! (The result is that I can't
 I lost my keys yesterday. It was terrible! (Now
get into my house now). there is no result. I got new keys yesterday).
4. With an unfinished time word (this 4. With a finished time word (last week, last
week, this month, today): month, yesterday):
 I've seen John this week.  I saw John last week.

REMEMBER:

1. We use the past simple for past events or actions which have no connection to the present.

2. We use the present perfect for actions which started in the past and are still happening now
OR for finished actions which have a connection to the present.

3. We CAN'T use the present perfect with a finished time word:

o NOT: I've been to the museum yesterday.

LET’S PRACTICE!
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/past-simple-present-perfect-4.html
http://www.spraz-ila.de/grammar/ppspquiz1.htm
http://www.focus.olsztyn.pl/en-exercises-on-present-perfect-tense.html#.XrIee55KjIU
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/simple_past_present_perfect3.htm
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/2g12-past-simple-present-perfect-gap-fill-2.php

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy