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Olivia Drake
Learning English grammar can be challenging, especially when it comes to differentiating between verb tenses. Two such tenses you may encounter are the past simple and present perfect . Both tenses express actions that have taken place in the past but differ in the way they’re used, which can sometimes lead to confusion. By understanding the nuances of these forms, you can improve your ability to communicate effectively in English.
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Past simple deals with completed actions or events in the past, while present perfect is used to express past actions that have a connection to the present. The choice of tense not only affects sentence structure but also shapes the meaning and interpretation of any statement. It’s essential to grasp the underlying distinctions in order to convey your message accurately.
To delve further into the intricacies of past simple and present perfect , you may want to explore the various usage contexts, time expressions, and verb conjugations associated with each tense. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, and with continued exposure and usage of these tenses, you’ll soon become more confident in distinguishing and utilizing them, enhancing your overall English language proficiency.
When learning English grammar, it’s essential to understand the differences between the past simple and present perfect tenses. These two tenses are quite distinct and convey different meanings, so using them accurately will improve your overall communication skills.
Past Simple is used to describe actions or events that happened at a specific time in the past and are now completed. To form the past simple tense, you add ‘-ed’ to regular verbs and use the irregular form for irregular verbs. Some examples of past simple sentences are:
Present Perfect is used to describe actions or events that started in the past but continue to the present or have a connection to the present. The present perfect is formed by using ‘have’ or ‘has’ with the past participle of the verb (regular verbs add ‘-ed’ while irregular verbs have different forms). Some examples of present perfect sentences are:
To better understand the differences between past simple and present perfect, consider the following:
Aspect | Past Simple | Present Perfect |
---|---|---|
Time Reference | Specific time in the past | Unspecified time or connection to now |
Verb Form | Regular verbs add ‘-ed’, irregulars vary | ‘have’/’has’ + past participle |
Examples | I lived in Rome. | I have lived in Rome. |
You walked to school yesterday. | You have walked to school this week. |
When using past simple, remember that you’re referring to a complete action in the past, often with a specific time reference. With present perfect, focus on the idea that the action has relevance or connection to the present, and the exact time of the action is not important. By understanding these distinctions and practicing their usage, your English grammar skills will significantly improve, allowing you to communicate more effectively.
Simple past formation.
The Simple Past tense is used to describe events that occurred in the past. To form the Simple Past of regular verbs, you simply add the suffix -ed to the base form of the verb. Here’s a table showing some examples:
Base Verb | Simple Past |
---|---|
walk | walked |
study | studied |
play | played |
However, irregular verbs have different forms in the Simple Past, and you’ll need to memorize them as there’s no specific rule. Here are a few examples:
Base Verb | Simple Past |
---|---|
go | went |
see | saw |
eat | ate |
The Present Perfect tense is used to express events that happened at an unspecified time before now or to show the connection between past events and the present. To form the Present Perfect, you need to use the auxiliary verb have (or has for third-person singular) followed by the past participle of the verb.
For regular verbs, the past participle is the same as the Simple Past form. Here are a few examples:
Base Verb | Present Perfect |
---|---|
walk | have/has walked |
study | have/has studied |
play | have/has played |
As for irregular verbs, the past participle is often different from the Simple Past. Here’s a table showing some examples:
Base Verb | Present Perfect |
---|---|
go | have/has gone |
see | have/has seen |
eat | have/has eaten |
When forming sentences, just keep in mind these rules for regular and irregular verbs, and make sure to follow the appropriate structure for the Simple Past and Present Perfect tenses. This will help you convey your message clearly and accurately.
Time Expressions
Past Simple is used with specific time expressions that refer to a definite time in the past. Examples of such time expressions are yesterday, last year, an hour ago, and at the beginning of the week. When using past simple, the action happened at a specific time and has already ended. For example:
Present Perfect is used with time expressions that are more indefinite, like ever, already, up to now, so far, and recently. It connects past actions to the present, often focusing on life experiences or recently finished actions. For example:
The Past Simple focuses on specific events or actions that occurred in the past:
On the other hand, the Present Perfect highlights unspecific events or actions that don’t focus on a certain time in the past:
The Past Simple is used to express finished actions:
In contrast, the Present Perfect emphasizes unfinished actions or actions that are still true today:
Past simple examples.
Here are a few examples of past simple sentences, which show actions completed in the past:
Notice how the past simple uses the past form of the verb to indicate an action fully completed in the past.
Now, observe these sentences using the present perfect , which highlights actions that have happened in the past and are still connected to the present:
The present perfect combines “have/has” with the past participle of the verb, emphasizing the connection between the past action and the present situation.
When learning the differences between past simple and present perfect , you might come across some common mistakes. To help you avoid these errors, here’s a concise guide:
1. Misusing time expressions: Remember, past simple is used for specific past actions while present perfect links the past to the present. Avoid using past time expressions (e.g., yesterday, last week) with present perfect.
Incorrect: I have seen that movie last night. Correct: I saw that movie last night.
2. Confusion with finished and unfinished actions: Past simple is used for finished actions, whereas present perfect is used for actions continuing into the present or have an effect on the present.
Incorrect: We lived here for ten years. (If you still live there) Correct: We have lived here for ten years.
3. Experiences and specific events: Use past simple for specific events and present perfect for general experiences up until now.
Incorrect: She has visited Paris in 2015. Correct: She visited Paris in 2015.
4. Incomplete versus complete actions: When discussing a past action that has not been completed, use present perfect. Alternatively, use past simple for completed actions.
Incorrect: They read the book. Correct: They have read the book. (If it’s not finished)
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can confidently use past simple and present perfect in the appropriate contexts. Practicing and paying close attention to these guidelines will help to ensure that your usage becomes second nature.
One response to “past simple vs present perfect: a clear comparison guide”.
Hi Olivia, I think perhaps your last example could be explained a little more clearly. ‘They have read the book’ would in fact be talking about an action that is finished, not unfinished as you seemed to indicate. ‘They have read the book’ would be an example of an action that doesn’t focus on a certain time in the past, right? (Or, as some explain it, it would fall into the category of ‘life experiences’.)
I’m olivia.
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PRESENT PERFECT vs. SIMPLE PAST
Jul 09, 2014
8k likes | 15.29k Views
PRESENT PERFECT vs. SIMPLE PAST. What is the difference?. I’ ve been to London. ( present perfect ) I went to London last week. ( simple past ). TIME FINISHED UNFINISHED SIMPLE PAST PRESENT PERFECT I went to London I’ve been to London. last week.
What is the difference? I’ve been to London. (present perfect) I went to London last week. (simple past)
TIME FINISHED UNFINISHED SIMPLE PAST PRESENT PERFECT I went to London I’ve been to London. last week. Specific time: • yesterday General experience. • last summer • 2 months ago
When do we use Simple Past? 1) Actions that are not connected with present. The Titanic sank in 1912. 2) Actions in the past that are chronologically ordered. He came in, sat on the sofa and started waiting. 3) Repeated actions in the past (= used to). I took English courses when I was twelve (= I used to take English courses). 4) When after talking about general experience we give details (when we have to be SPECIFIC and answer questions like WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW?). I’ve been to London this month. I stayed in a big hotel. I visited Trafalgar Square and bought some souvenirs.
When do we use Present Perfect? 1) When we talk about GENERAL EXPERIENCE without giving specific information (we don’t have to know WHEN you did something, we want to know IF you did it or not). Tarantino has directed lots of blockbusters. (BUT: Tarantino directed “Kill Bill” in 2003). I have never seen the Eiffel Tower. (BUT: I didn’t see the Eiffel Tower when I was in France). Jack has written a script. (BUT: He wrote the script last week).
When do we use Present Perfect? 2) Actions that are finished in the past but connected with present (actions in the past affected the present – you can see the result). X Past Present I’ve eaten a banana. A plane has landed.
When do we use Present Perfect? 3) When we want to express an unfinished period of time (that started in the past but continues now). I have taken three tests this semester (this semester is not finished, it’s still going on). Helen has been to London once in her life (her life is not finished, it’s still going on). My grandparents have seen “Hamlet” this week(this week is not finished, it’s still going on).
How do we make Present Perfect form? Affirmative sentences:
How do we make Present Perfect form? Negative sentences:
How do we make Present Perfect form? Interrogative sentences: Yes, I have. No, we haven’t. Yes, he has. No, she hasn’t.
Past Participle Form of Verbs
Let’s practice a little! • I ……… (see) that film before. • We ……….(read) three English books in class. • My mother ………..(be) to London twice this year. • John ………… (borrow) four CDs from me. • The children ………… (eat) breakfast. • You ………… (drink) all the coffee. • Be quiet! The film ………….. (start).
Let’s practice a little! • I have seen that film before. • We have read three English books in class. • My mother has been to London twice this year. • John has borrowed four CDs from me. • The children have eaten breakfast. • You have drunk all the coffee. • Be quiet! The film has started.
ESQUEMAS DEL PRESENT PERFECT . AFIRMATIVA: Sujeto have / has participio del verbo principal complemento. INTERROGATIVA: Have / has sujeto participio del verbo principal complemento?. NEGATIVA: Sujeto haven't / hasn't participio del verbo principal complemento. EJEMPLOS PRESENT P
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PAST SIMPLE OR PRESENT PERFECT?. Compare. We´ve lived here for five years. Before that, I lived in Olomouc for two years . Look! Your brother has cleaned his shoes! So what? I cleaned my shoes yesterday. GRAMMAR. Present perfect is used for. Past simple is used for.
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Present Perfect and Past Simple. Pepa Mut. Present Perfect Affirmative form. Present Perfect Negative and Questions. I have seen You have written He has watched She has studied It has stopped We have left You have finished They have come. I haven’t worked She hasn’t helped
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Present perfect and past simple. *We use the Present Perfect for actions which happen in the past at any time up to now . The exact time is not known or not defined. a- ? ? ? Now
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SIMPLE PAST PRESENT PERFECT. Practice making syntactic changes between these two devilishly challenging tenses. Part 1: Simple Past => Present Perfect. Change the verbs in the following sentences into the Present Perfect, making any other changes you think necessary.
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Present Perfect vs. Past Simple. Usages. Is the time Sheila joined the Sierra Club the same or different?. Sheila has joined the Sierra Club. Sheila joined the Sierra Club.
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Present perfect X past simple. Practising. Put the verbs into present perfect or past simple :. I ……………………..( ride ) a horse many times . Susan…………………… ( never / cheat ) in exams . I ……………………….. ( sell ) my car two weeks ago. My brother ………………… (not find ) his lost key yet .
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Simple Present vs. Present Perfect. Improving our control over the present tenses. What’s the difference in meaning?. I eat spaghetti. I am eating spaghetti. What do you usually eat for breakfast? What are you eating right now? (Nothing! You’re not supposed to eat in class).
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THE PRESENT PERFECT V. PAST SIMPLE. CLAIRE ELIZABETH WALLIS. THE PAST SIMPLE. WHAT DO WE USE THE PAST SIMPLE FOR?. THE PAST SIMPLE. WE USE THE PAST SIMPLE FOR AN ACTION WHICH STARTED AND FINISHED IN THE SPECIFIC PAST. I FINISHED WORK AT 2PM YESTERDAY. I SAW VICTORIA THIS MORNING.
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PAST TENSES: Past simple Present perfect Past continuous Present perfect continuous. The 6 main tenses we use to talk about the past are: past simple He worked at Scavolini . present perfect He has worked at Scavolini . past continuous He was working at Scavolini .
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Past Simple vs Present Perfect. b y Eva Viñas Casals. Past Simple. By adding – ed to a regular verb . (DANC ED ). By choosing the 2nd column of an irregular verb . (BEGIN – BEGAN – BEGUN). NEGATIVE: DIDN’T + INFINITIVE ( We didn’t go ).
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Past simple tense vs. present perfect simple tense Vs. Present Simple Tense. Jelena Basta e-mail: [email protected]. The past simple tense. FORM: I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they workED/SLEPT. DID I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they WORK/SLEEP? I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they DIDN’T WORK/SLEEP.
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October, 2013. Simple Past or Present Perfect. Complete the sentences. 1) We ___________ in a restaurant in May 2001. ( to work) 2) Jack ____________________ the window of the gym this morning. (to break) 3) I'm sorry. I ____________________ my diary. (to forget)
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Upgrade 2 - Unit 4. Grammar Reference. Simple Past vs. Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous. Have you ever been to Florianópolis?. Yes, I have. Twice!. Really? I went there last weekend and I loved it!. I have some relatives there. I love the city too!.
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1. present perfect vs simple past, 3. observe more samples, 4. let’s practise..
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Present Perfect contrasted with Past Simple and Present Simple. This presentation focuses on the differences in use between Present Perfect and Past Simple (active verbs) as well as Present Perfect and Present Simple (stative verbs)... 1862 uses. A selection of English ESL present perfect or past simple tense ppt slides.
The Present, Past and Past Participle Form of Verbs - ... In a series of highly engaging ppts, students are shown the present, past and past participle forms of various regular and irregular verbs and assisted in distinguis... 91 uses. A selection of English ESL present perfect vs past simple ppt slides.
Present perfect for an unfinished time period and unspecified time in the past. Past simple for finished time and specific time in the past. I hope I've made it crystal clear when to use present perfect vs. simple past. Thanks for putting it into practice by making your own example sentences! Now make sure to download the PDF and try the quiz.
SIMPLE PAST; A verb in the simple past tense expresses that an activity, event or state began and ended in the past. Adverbs such as last year, a year ago and in 2017 make clear that the activity is pinned to a time in the past. See Past Adverbs.. COMPLETED IN PAST: Construction on the Tower of Pisa started in 1173.. Builders added a third story in 1185. Then, it began to lean.
The simple past uses a single verb (the simple past form of the verb) while the present perfect uses two verbs (has/have + participle form of the verb). Curated authentic video library for all levels. Thousands of learner friendly videos (especially beginners) Handpicked, organized, and annotated by FluentU's experts.
Powepoint presentation I use to explain the Present Perfect vs the Past Simple to my students with the help of Tintin! Donate a coffee. Log in / Register. English ESL Powerpoints. Grammar Practice. Grammar guide. Present perfect or past simple tense. Present Perfect vs Past Simple. coras. 8392. 83. 15. 0.
We use the past simple for past events or actions which have no connection to the present. 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. We CAN'T use the present perfect with a finished time word: NOT: I've been to the museum yesterday ...
TIME EXPRESSIONS Past Simple and Present Perfect. PRESENT PERFECT. PAST SIMPLE. 3 days ago yesterday since 2009 ever last summer this year in my life already yet today never from 1997 to 1999 in 2019 for 3 months lately recently JUST +info. TASK 3. Look at the time expressions from the box. Try to match them with the right tense. +info. VS ...
It's a powerpoint presentation that gives a general idea in distinguishing Present Perfect and Past Simple tenses followed up by 2 small exercises in Past Participle form of verbs and practising Present Perfect form. Ask your students to make up their own examples in each given case for more efficiency.
2. Confusion with finished and unfinished actions: Past simple is used for finished actions, whereas present perfect is used for actions continuing into the present or have an effect on the present. Incorrect: We lived here for ten years. (If you still live there) Correct: We have lived here for ten years.
Present Perfect vs Past Simple author: Maria Kafel MAIN DIFFERENCE Past Simple Present Perfect It's vital that action is finished and when situation happened. It's not important when it happened, but the experience and result. ... Sales pitch presentation: creating impact with Prezi; July 22, 2024. Make every lesson count with these student ...
In British English, we use the present perfect to talk about an action or situation in the past when we don't know the exact time or it isn't important. I've invited Dave and Sue for dinner. We use the past simple to talk about a specific time in the past. I phoned my brother yesterday.
THE PRESENT PERFECT. The Past Simple refers to an action that happened at a definite time in the past: • He wrote his first book in 1882. The Present Perfect refers to an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past: • He has written many books. Chose the correct tense: 1.
The document discusses the present perfect tense in English. It explains that the present perfect is used for actions that began in the past but are still ongoing or relevant to the present. It provides examples of using the present perfect with time phrases like "for" and "since" as well as with words like "just", "yet", and "already". It then compares the present perfect and past simple ...
Present Perfect vs past simple Present Perfect Use the present perfect: 1. to talk about an action in the past when you don't know (say) when the action happened. ... Simple presentation background ideas: elevate your visuals with minimalistic designs; Aug. 29, 2024. How to memorize a speech: tips for all timeframes;
Present perfect or past simple tense. PRESENT PERFECT vs PAST SIMPLE - basketball game. loveteaching. 37799. 380. 157. 0. 1/10 ...
1) Actions that are not connected with present. The Titanic sank in 1912. 2) Actions in the past that are chronologically ordered. He came in, sat on the sofa and started waiting. 3) Repeated actions in the past (= used to). I took English courses when I was twelve (= I used to take English courses).
1. Present Perfect vs Simple Past Grammar Lesson 2018-2019 2. Present Perfect Past Tense have/has + verb 3 (participle) Verb 2 Happened in the past until present (effect or event) Happened in the past, ended in the past He has drunk all of the milk. We need He drank all of the milk this morning. to buy some more for tomorrow Thus, he often went to toilet. He has waited for your for a long time.
Simple Past and Present Perfect worksheets by Carolina Arteaga .Simple Past and Present Perfect Live Worksheets Liveworksheets transforms your traditional printable worksheets into self-correcting interactive exercises that the students can do online and send to the teacher.