Present Perfect and Simple Past
Introduction
This section will help you to understand the differences between the Present Perfect Tense and the Simple Past Tense.
Has the time period finished?
| Rule |
Example |
Explanation |
| The present perfect is used when the time period has NOT finished. |
I have seen three movies this week. |
(This week has not finished yet.) |
| The simple past is used when the time period HAS finished. |
I saw three movies last week. |
(Last week has finished.) |
Is it new information or old?
| Rule |
Example |
Explanation |
| The present perfect is often used when giving recent news. |
Martin has crashed his car again. |
(This is new information.) |
| The simple past is used when giving older information. |
Martin crashed his car last year. |
(This is old information.) |
Is it a specific time?
| Rule |
Example |
Explanation |
| The present perfect is used when the time is not specific. |
I have seen that movie already. |
(We don't know when.) |
| The simple past is used when the time is clear. |
I saw that movie on Thursday. |
(We know exactly when.) |
Has the action finished (sentences with “for” or “since”)?
| Rule |
Example |
Explanation |
| The present perfect is used with for and since when the actions have not finished yet. |
I have lived in Victoria for five years. |
(I still live in Victoria.) |
| The simple past is used with for when the actions have already finished. |
I lived in Victoria for five years. |
(I don't live in Victoria now.) |
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.
