WHAT HAS OR HASN’T SMART ALEC DONE?

PRESENT PERFECT

• 1 The criminals are in a police car.• Smart Alec has arrested the criminals.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 2 He’s hungry.• He hasn’t had lunch.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 3 Sweet Sue can’t get off the roof.• Smart Alec has closed the door and the window.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 4 He’s got some money.• He has been to the bank.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 5 He’s wearing a pair of new shoes.• He has bought a pair of new shoes.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 6 He’s holding Sweet Sue’s mobile.• He has found her mobile.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 7 He’s looking at some photos on his camera.• He has taken some pictures.

PRESENT PERFECT

• 8 His computer is off.• He has switched the computer off.• He hasn’t switched it on.

THE PRESENT PERFECT OR

THE PAST SIMPLE TENSE

• We use the past simple for past events or actions which have no connection to the present.• We use the present perfect for actions which

started in the past and are still happening now OR for finished actions which have a connection to the present.• We CAN'T use the present perfect with a finished

time word:• NOT: I've been to the museum yesterday.

PRESENT PERFECT / PAST SIMPLE

I have lived in Lyon. I lived in Lyon in 1989.

They have eaten Thai food. They ate Thai food last night.

Have you seen 'Othello'?. Where did you see 'Othello'?

We have been to Ireland. When did you go to Ireland?

THE PRESENT PERFECT OR

THE PAST SIMPLE TENSE

• 1 I live in Dublin. I’ve lived here since 2005. Before that, I lived in Edinburgh.• 2 Smart Alec left university seven years ago. He has been a detective for six years.• 3 We had Mr. Jones for History last year, but we have had Mrs. Marsh for two months now.• 4 The post hasn’t arrived yet today. It didn’t arrive till 11.30 yesterday.• 5 I haven’t seen Tim since last week. I saw him last Tuesday.• 6 I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten anything for five hours now. I only ate a sandwich at lunchtime.