Learn the difference between Past Simple and Present Perfect Tense with useful grammar rules and examples.
The present perfect can cause a lot of confusion for English learners because it is actually used in several different ways.
Past Simple and Present Perfect
Simple Past Tense
Form:
Subject + regular verb-ed or irregular verb (V2 form, Past Simple)
Use:
- Finished time
We lived Japan in from 1995-1998. (a time period that started and ended in the past)
- Definite time
I saw the Eiffel Tower in 2007.
- Series of finished actions
First, he read book and then he watched movie.
- Repeated actions
He went to the cinema every weekend last year.
Time phrases:
- yesterday
- ago
- last
- in 1994, etc.
- in the 20th century,etc.
- in July, etc.
- on Monday, etc.
- …
Present Perfect Tense
Form:
Subject + regular verb-ed or irregular verb (V3 form, Past Participle)
Use:
- Unfinished time
I’ve worked as a teacher since 2011. (a time period that started in the past, and continues until now)
- Indefinite time
I have seen the Eiffel Tower.
- Experience
Have you ever seen this movie?
- Result
She has already watched this movie 3 times.
Time Phrases:
- already
- just
- yet
- ever
- never
- for
- since
- …
Past Simple and Present Perfect | Image
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