Present perfect vs. past simple

PRESENT PERFECT

PAST SIMPLE

Mónica Redondo Arias

EXAMPLES

Have you ever been to a fancy dress party?

She’s seen that film twice.

I’ve never met Nina’s husband.

WHEN DO WE USE THE PRESENT PERFECT

Past experience in our life when we don’t specify WHEN.

He’s read that book before.

EVER

EVER

EVER = IN YOUR LIFE

•Have you ever been to a fancy dress party?

No, I haven’t.

PRESENT PERFECT OR

PAST SIMPLE?

• Have you ever been to Mexico?• Yes, I have.

• When did you go?• I went last year.

PRESENT PERFECT OR

PAST SIMPLE?

• Have you met his new girlfriend?• Yes, I have.• What did you think of her?• I didn’t like her.

PRESENT PERFECT PAST SIMPLE

1. We normally start with a general question in present perfect.

2. Then we change to past simple for more specific details (when, what, where, why…)

PRESENT PERFECT OR

PAST SIMPLE?

Yes, I have2 When did you go?3 I went last summer.4 Who did you go with? 5 I went with my son6 Where did you stay?

I stayed in a fancy hotel.

1. Have you been to China?

BEEN GONE

Mike has been to Paris. Is Mike in Paris or Spain? (He went and came back to Spain)

Mike has gone to Paris. Is Mike in Paris or Spain? (He is in Paris now)