Past simple or present perfect
We use the past simple to refer to definite time in the past (when we specify the time or how long) and usually with past time expressions such as yesterday, two weeks ago, last year, in 1995:
We met in January 1975. We went to America together in 1978.
Not: We have met in January 1975. We have gone to America together in 1978.
We use the present perfect to talk about time up to now, that is, events that took place in the past but which connect with the present. The present perfect is often used with time expressions which indicate time up to now, for example today, this year, in the last six months:
I haven’t seen her since January 1995.
Not: I didn’t see her since January 1995.
Compare
I haven’t seen her for over 20 years.
| The last time I saw her was over 20 years ago. |
I didn’t see her for over 20 years and then I bumped into her last week.
| I saw her last week but the last time I saw her before last week was over 20 years ago. |
Compare
I finished my homework an hour ago.
| Definite time in the past. I finished my homework at a time in the past (one hour ago). |
I haven’t finished my homework yet.
| From a time in the past up to now. I started my homework at a time in the past and it is not finished yet (yet means ‘up to now’). |
We had a good day yesterday.
| Definite time in the past. We had a good day in the past (yesterday). |
We have had a good day so far.
| From a time in the past up to now. The day has been good until now but it hasn’t finished yet. |
We didn’t see Diana last week.
| Definite time in the past (last week). |
We haven’t seen Diana this week.
| From the beginning of the week until now. |
I didn’t have any lunch today.
| Today is not finished but it is almost the end of the day and past lunchtime. |
I haven’t had any lunch today.
| It is still today and not too late to have lunch. |
Make up 5 sentences with Present Perfect and Past Simple and post them below.
Past simple
ReplyDelete1 - She worked abroad.
2 - Mom bought that bag by Gucci in 2005.
3 - Yesterday they watched their favorite photos from the past.
4 - He went to Italy last month.
5 - I saw him yesterday.
6 - We took evening courses two years ago.
7 - She always bought newspapers on Sunday.
8 - As soon as she graduated from the university, she found a suitable job.
Present Perfect
1 - They haven’t seen this film.
2 - Has she just arrived home?
3 - She has visited this beauty shop recently
4 - We’ve just eaten, so we don’t want to go to the cafe
5 - I have just cut my finger
6 - I haven’t bought the new car. This is my old one
7 - How much coffee have you drunk today?
8 - Has Anna bought the tickets yet?
Past simple
ReplyDelete1.My friend went to India on Saturday.
2. Yesterday we ate four muffins in a cosy small café round the corner.
3. He worked in this company for ten years.
4. I lost my sunglasses, but I found them the next day.
Present Perfect
1. My friend has been to India many times recently.
2. Today we have eaten four muffins in a cosy small café round the corner.
3. He has worked in this company for ten years.
4. I have lost my sunglasses. I can’t find them anywhere.
Past Simple
ReplyDelete1) We went to the competition yesterday
2) We won the last game
3) Our parents said the exact thing to us on Sunday
4) She encouraged his behavior
5) Someone said about the exhibition the day before yesterday
Present Perfect
1)My relatives have worked for the same boss for a long time
2) She has been to New-York for 5 years
3) Have you ever been to Spain ?
4) I haven’t decided yet what to do
5) He has gotten his licence with proud
1. She has learned English.
ReplyDelete2. He has seen the film and shared his impressions.
3. I have read the contents of the letter.
4. I have met her husband.
5. They have returned to the party.
1. I met my wife in 1983. 2.We went to Spain for our holidays. 3.They got home very late last night.
4. When I was a boy, I walked a mile to school every day. 5.We swam a lot while we were on holiday.
1.I have not gone to the theater since last month
ReplyDelete2. I have not seen Maria since last year, she went to Moscow
3.I haven't bought any groceries yet
4.we have communicated well with him so far.
5. since last week she hasn't spoken to me
1.we had a good time yesterday
2.last week i went to the pool
3.last year we had a good rest at sea
4.I had a lot to do yesterday and I couldn't go anywhere.
5. yesterday she fell and broke her leg
1.We went to the cinema yesterday
ReplyDelete2.He helped his father
3.Sasha was very tired last week
4.I lost my airpods yesterday
5.They didn`t go to the museum
1.I have never seen her before
2.They have left us a message
3.We've just heard a strange noise
4.He has already done his homework
5.I have not had breakfast yet