In this lesson we’re looking at The Present Perfect and The Past Simple in English.
This is our second lesson that compares The Present Perfect and The Past Simple. You’ll find the first one here.
Have fun with this lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes by clicking on their links below
– James.
Lesson Contents
Using time markers
You cannot use the Present Perfect when using a time marker that is finished. You must use the Past Simple:
It was really warm yesterday.
My uncle visited me in December.
Did you do your homework when you were a child?
We watched TV last night.
The Present Perfect:
I have lost my wallet. I can’t find it anywhere!
Have you seen Marie today?
The Past Simple:
I lost my wallet last week. I found it under the sofa.
Did you see Marie yesterday?
More time markers
Compare these two sets of time markers:
The Present Perfect:
I have eaten sausages today.
The Past Simple:
I ate sausages yesterday.
The present perfect is used for a period of time that continues until now:
today / this week / in 2010
I haven’t seen her this week.
Have you read the paper this morning?
(If it is still morning)
We’ve painted the house recently.
We’ve been waiting for twenty minutes.
(We are still waiting)
I have lived in France for twelve years.
(I still live there)
She has never played tennis.
(In her life)
It has been a nice weekend.
(It is Sunday)
The past simple is used for a finished time in the past:
yesterday / last week / three weeks ago
I didn’t see her last week.
Did you read the paper this morning?
(If it the afternoon or evening)
We painted the house on Tuesday.
We waited for twenty minutes.
(We aren’t waiting anymore)
I lived in France for twelve years.
(I don’t live there any more)
She didn’t play tennis yesterday.
It was a nice weekend.
(It is Monday)
Recap
- Use the Past Simple for finished actions.
- Use the Present Perfect for unfinished actions.
