Past & Present Perfect Tenses

Past &

Present Perfect Tenses

Past & Present Perfect Tenses

Introduction

When to Use

How to Use (Rules) Example Sentences

Exercises

Main Difference Between the Simple Past and the Present Perfect

We use the Simple Past when we simply want to say that something happened in the past.

We use the Present Perfect when we want to emphasize the result of a past action.

Examples:

"Lisa broke her leg yesterday, so we took her to the hospital."In this sentence I simply want to tell you what happened in the past.

"Lisa has broken her leg, and now she can't participate in the play."In this sentence I want to emphasize the result: now Lisa's leg is broken

Now let's examine a few tips that will help you determine which of the two tenses you should use.

1. Did it just happen or is it older information?

2. Is there a specific time mentioned?

3. Is the time period finished?

4. Is the action finished?

British English

American English

The Simple Past is used when giving OLDER information:

Janet and Mike broke up months ago.

We sold the house in 2001.

The Second World War ended in 1945.

(This is old information.)

The Present Perfect is often used when giving RECENT news:

Janet and Mike have finally broken up.

We have just sold the house.

The war has ended, but the people still need to rebuild their lives.

(This is recent information.)

1. Did it just happen or is it older information?

The Simple Past is used when the time is CLEAR:

They met on Sunday.

My birthday was last week.

John started his business after he graduated.

(We know exactly when.)

The Present Perfect is used when the time is NOT SPECIFIC:

They have met already.

I have celebrated my 20th birthday.

John has started his business.

(We don't know exactly when.)

2. Is there a specific time mentioned?

The Simple Past is used when the time period HAS finished: I bought 3 books last month.(Last month is finished.)

She wrote me 5 letters last week.(Last week is finished.)

Last month you passed 2 exams.(Last month is finished.)

The Present Perfect is used when the time period has NOT finished: I've bought 3 books this month.(This month has not finished.)

She's written me 5 letters this week.(This week has not finished.)

This month you have passed 2 exams.(This month has not finished.)

3. Is the time period finished?

The Simple Past is used with for and since, when the actions have already finished: I worked in Australia for 6 years.(I don't work in Australia now.)

She lived in Spain for 2 years.(She doesn't live in Spain now.)

They helped me for a whole month.(They don't help me now.)

The Present Perfect is used with for and since, when the actions have not finished yet: I have worked in Australia for 6 years.(I still work in Australia.) She has lived in Spain for 2 years.(She still lives in Spain now.)

They have helped me for a whole month.(They still help me now.)

There is one more important thing you must know.

There is a difference between British English and American English.

4. Is the action finished?

British English

In British English, when talking about an action that ended recently and has an effect on the present, you should use the Present Perfect.

Examples:

I've lost my wallet.

She has broken the glass.

They haven't bought a new house.

We've just had breakfast.

He's met Jane already.

Have you done your homework yet?

American English

Examples:

In American English, you can use the Present Perfect OR the Simple Past.

I've lost my wallet / I lost my wallet.

She has broken the glass / She broke the glass.

They haven't bought a new house / They didn't buy a new house.

We've just had breakfast / We just had breakfast.

He's met Jane already / He met Jane already.

Have you done your homework yet / Did you do your homework yet?

When to Use

Simple Past Tense(also called Past Simple)

Present Perfect Tense

The Simple Past is a common tense in English. You should understand it, and know it well.

Simple Past Tense

How do we use this tense?

The Simple Past is a form of the verb that shows the action happened in the past.

Here are the different usages of this tense:

Actions that happened in the past

(The verbs are in bold)

He broke his tooth last week. Last year he had only two candles on the cake.

He was very dirty 30 minutes ago. She asked for a kiss.

He played and he lost. They worked very hard for this.

Examples of Typical Time Expressions

an hour ago

yesterday

last week

last month

2 years ago

last Monday

in 1974

when I was young

Simple Past Story 1

Who were they? Where did they go? What happened?

One autumn evening, Charles and Beth went to the theater. They attended a play. The play started at 7:00. Charles and Beth enjoyed the theater.

After the play, Charles and Beth walked together in the park. They walked beside the lake. The moon was bright. They talked about their future.

When Charles and Beth went home, their children were not asleep. They waited for Charles and Beth to return. They were excited to hear about the theater!

Charles told the children about the play. Then, Beth put the children to bed. Charles and Beth were very tired. It was a good night!

This is a copy of the original story. Go over it and fill in the blanks with the right words from the box below.

excited and children about walked were started not park autumn

One ___________ evening, Charles and Beth went to the theater. They attended a play.

The play ___________ at 7:00. Charles and Beth enjoyed the theater.

After the play, Charles and Beth walked together in the ___________. They

___________ beside the lake. The moon was bright. They talked ___________ their future.

When Charles and Beth went home, their children were ___________ asleep. They

waited for Charles ___________ Beth to return. They were ___________ to hear about the theater!

Charles told the ___________ about the play. Then, Beth put the children to bed.

Charles and Beth ___________ very tired. It was a good night!

autumn

started

park

were

about

not

and excited

children

walked

Answers

Present Perfect Tense

The Present Perfect is a common tense in English. You should understand it, and know it well.

How do we use this tense?

PERFECT here means "complete, finished".

The Present Perfect is a form of the verb that shows the action was complete before the present.

It does not mean the action is "perfect" (100%). It means the action is finished.

Actions that happened at an unspecified time before the present

(The verbs are in bold)

He has learned how to ride a horse. He has fixed the light.

They have called 5 times already. She has bought a hat.

She has grown so much.

She has become such a good secretary.

He has never done it before.

Actions that ended recently

She has broken the vase. He has just seen the news.

He has already caught the ball.

She has bought some food for us.

He has lost his clothes.

States that started in the past, and are still going on

Note: this is a broader use of this tense. It is usually used with states, not actions.

He has been sick since Saturday. He has had this motorbike for 5 years.

He has always liked him.

They have lived here for a long time.

Examples of Typical Time Expressions

Before the present Recently Up to nowever recently since

never lately foronce already

3 times justso far yetbefore

in the last week

in the previous year

How to Use (Rules)

Simple Past Rules

Present Perfect Rules

Simple Past RulesHere you can find tables with Simple Past rules on: positive sentences, negative sentences and questions.

Positive SentencesWho? Form of verb Examples

I

regular verb: verb + ed

irregular verb: past form of the verb

I worked in Italy last year.I drank some juice yesterday.

He/She/It

He worked in Italy last year.He drank some juice yesterday.

She worked in Italy last year.She drank some juice yesterday.

It worked in Italy last year.It drank some juice yesterday.

You You worked in Italy last year.You drank some juice yesterday.

We We worked in Italy last year.We drank some juice yesterday.

They They worked in Italy last year.They drank some juice yesterday.

Negative Sentences

Who? Form of verb Examples

I

did not + verb

I did not work in Italy last year.I didn't work in Italy last year.

He/She/It

He did not work in Italy last year.He didn't work in Italy last year.

She did not work in Italy last year.She didn't work in Italy last year.

It did not work in Italy last year.It didn't work in Italy last year.

You You did not work in Italy last year.You didn't work in Italy last year.

We We did not work in Italy last year.We didn't work in Italy last year.

They They did not work in Italy last year.They didn't work in Italy last year.

Question Sentences


Did

I

verb

Did I work in Italy last year?he/she/it Did he work in Italy last year?

you Did she work in Italy last year?we Did we work in Italy last year?

they Did they work in Italy last year?

So these are the Simple Past Rules.

Present Perfect Rules

Here you can find tables with Present Perfect rules on: positive sentences, negative sentences and questions.

Positive Sentences

Who? Form of verb ExamplesI have + Verb 3 I have written a book.

He/She/It has + Verb 3He has written a book.She has written a book.It has written a book.

You have + Verb 3 You have written a book.We have + Verb 3 We have written a book.

They have + Verb 3 They have written a book.

Negative Sentences


I have + not + Verb 3haven't + Verb 3

I have not written a book.I haven't written a book.

He/She/It has + not + Verb 3hasn't + Verb 3

He has not written a book.He hasn't written a book.

She has not written a book.She hasn't written a book.

It has not written a book.It hasn't written a book.

You have + not + Verb 3haven't + Verb 3

You have not written a book.You haven't written a book.

We have + not + Verb 3haven't + Verb 3

We have not written a book.We haven't written a book.

They have + not + Verb 3haven't + Verb 3

They have not written a book.They haven't written a book.

Question Sentences

Who? Form of verb ExamplesHave I

Verb 3

Have I written a book?

Has he/she/itHas he written a book?Has she written a book?Has it written a book?

Have you Have you written a book?Have we Have we written a book?Have they Have they written a book?

So these are the Present Perfect Rules.

Example Sentences

Examples of Simple Past Tense

Examples of Present Perfect Tense

Examples of Simple Past Tense

The following examples of Simple Past tense will help you understand and use this tense properly and naturally.

Note: the Simple Past verbs are italics.

And now, let the examples begin!

Simple Past Tense Example Sentences

Actions that happened in the past:

We moved here in 1991.

Did you move here in 1991?

When did you move here?

Sophia and I met yesterday.

In the end, Sophia did not show up.

The above examples are here to help you understand and use this tense properly and naturally.

They were very pleased.

They were not pleased at all.

I worked for Microsoft.

Who did you work for?

Examples of Present Perfect Tense

The following examples of Present Perfect tense will help you understand and use this tense properly and naturally.

Note: the Present Perfect verbs are italics.

And now, let the examples begin!

Actions that happened at an unspecified time before the present:

I have been to Tokyo.

How many times have you been to Tokyo?

She has learned to speak Russian.

Stacy has become very successful.

How has she done it?

They have never eaten there before.

You have changed so much!

I haven't changed one bit.

She hasn't found the time yet.

We have seen this movie ten times.

I don't believe we have met. My name is David.

Have you cleaned your room yet?

She has never been so surprised.

Actions that ended recently:

I have just sold the last one.

Sue has broken the glass.

How has she done it?

Mom has just found out about it, and she is not pleased.

They have already won. Let's go home.

I have made a special dish just for you.

She hasn't finished her homework yet.

States that started in the past, and are still going on, (Note: this is a broader use of this tense. It is usually used with states, not actions):

I have thought about it for two hours.

You have been sick since last week.

Since when have you been sick?

I have not been quite myself since the accident.

Kelly has had cats since I can remember.

Sophie has always loved shopping.

Taylor has lived here since 1992.

The above examples of Present Perfect Tense are here to help you understand and use this tense properly and naturally.

Exercises

Simple Past – Exercise 01


Present Perfect – Exercise 01




Exercise A

Exercise B

Exercise C

Change the verb into the correct form:


1. Dan ______________ (leave) very early today.

2. Sam and Sue __________________ (buy) a new house last month.

3. I _______________ (visit) Germany the previous week.

4. You ___________________ (play) very well.

5. They ______________ (find) this book on their trip to Italy.

6. I ______________ (bake) this cake by myself.

7. We _________________ (open) the store in 1987. Answers

left

bought

visited

played

found

baked

opened

8. The rain finally ______________ (stop), and we ______________ (go) home.

9. She ____________ (plan) to come, but she ___________ (have) some problems.

10. Kate ____________ (have) a big house, but she ______________ (sell) it.

11. Rose _____________ (be) very thin.

12. You ______________ (be) at work yesterday morning.

13. We ________________ (think) New York was in England!

14. They ________________ (bring) this from their trip.

15. She always ________________ (dance) in the summer.Answers

stopped went

hadplanned

soldhad

was

were

thought

brought

danced

Change the verb into the correct form:


1. Barbara ______________ (eat) the whole cake last night.

2. I ______________ (save) some money last year.

3. You ______________ (give) me all the books yesterday.

5. I __________ (come), I _________ (see), I __________ (leave).

6. They ____________ (drink) too much.

7. We _____________ (be) very happy together.

Answers

ate

saved

gave

came saw left

drank

were

Answers

8. The cat _____________ (jump) on the tree, and the bird ____________ (fly) away.

9. We always _____________ (cook) together.

10. She _______________ (arrive) in 1978.

11. Emily and Edward ____________ (meet) in Paris.

12. Peter _______________ (change) his name many years ago.

13. Julie ______________ (move) from Canada last month.

14. They _____________ (sing) a few songs together.

15. We _____________ (have) a lot of friends there.

jumped flew

cooked

arrived

met

changed

moved

sang

had

Present Perfect – Exercise 01Change the verb into the correct form:

1. I _______________________ (read) your book several times.

2. She ___________________ (wear) that skirt many times.

3. My family _________________ (visit) Brazil a few times.

4. I __________________ (eat) already.

5. Marta __________________ (finish) her homework.

6. You __________________ (break) the glass again.

7. They __________________ (pay) for everything.Answershave paid

have broken

has finished

have eaten

has visited

has worn

have read

Answers

8. It ____________________________ (never snow) like that.

9. I _________________ (meet) Anna once.

10. We ____________________ (see) him before.

11. You ____________________ (buy) 4 cars so far.

12. There ___________________ (be) problems.

13. I __________________ (have) a snake.

14. Maria __________________ (raise) a monkey.

15. The kids ___________________ (grow) so much!have grown

has raised

have had

have been

have bought

have seen

have met

has never snowed


Answers

1. The students ___________________ (improve).

2. She __________________ (become) really beautiful.

3. Man ___________________ (invent) many great inventions.

4. People __________________ (cause) much destruction to the planet.

5. I __________________ (learn) to surf.

6. The class ___________________ (do) 5 tests this month.

7. Allison ____________________ (find) a few problems with your plan.has found

has done

have learned

have caused

has invented

has become

have improved

Answers

8. We __________________ (consult) some doctors about this.

9. I ____________________ (meet) Debbie in the last week.

10. In the previous year, we ________________________ (double) our income.

11. She ______________________ (be) sick since Sunday.

12. You ____________________ (be) away for 2 weeks.

13. He ___________________ (hate) cheese since childhood.

14. Mark and Katie ______________________ (be) together for two years.

15. I ____________________ (like) mango since my last trip.have liked

have been

has hated

have been

has been

have doubled

have met

have consulted


Answers

1. I _____________________ (be) here for two hours.

2. They _____________________ (own) the house since 1991.

3. They ______________________ (have) those problems for a long time.

4. We _____________________ (see) this movie already.

5. You _____________________ (check) my spelling.

6. Angela ____________________ (taste) baked bananas in her trip to South America.

7. Lisa _____________________ (buy) a new television.Has bought

Has tasted

Have checked

Have seen

Have had

Have owned

Have been

Answers

8. Donna _____________________ (break) her leg.

9. Tim and Allison __________________ (have) a baby.

10. I_____________________ (know) Susan for all my life.

11. Dan _____________________ (work) here since last November.

12. Jamie __________________ (be) sick for two days now.

13. You ____________________ (wait) for an answer since March.

14. Peter _____________________ (be) here since last summer.

15. I _____________________ (built) many houses in my life.Have built

Has been

Have waited

Has been

Has worked

Have known

Have had

Has broken


Answers

1. They _____________________ (prepare) a beautiful dinner for us.

2. We _______________________ (eat) too much.

3. Sarah ____________________ (drink) all the juice.

4. Peter _____________________ (waste) all his money on drinks.

5. I _____________________ (be) in England for over 15 years.

6. You _____________________ (make) too much noise this time.

7. The kids ________________________ (clean) the house.Have cleaned

Have made

Have been

Has wasted

Has drank

Have eaten

Have prepared

Answers

8. The test ______________________ (start).

9. I ______________________ (bake) a carrot cake.

10. Morgan _____________________ (lose) her wallet.

11. We ____________________ (talk) once.

12. It _____________________ (rain) twice this week.

13. Julie _________________________ (never be) so quite.

14. I _________________________ (just take) a shower.

15. We ______________________ (publish) three books up to now.Have published

Have just taken

Has never been

Has rained

Have talked

Has lost

Have baked

Has started

Exercise AChoose the correct sentence to describe the picture.

a) It is only 9:45, and Harold already sold twelve hot dogs!b) It is only 9:45, and Harold has already sold twelve hot dogs!

a) I played outside a lot when I was younger.b) I have played outside a lot when I was younger.

a) You cannot play with your tablet today. You used it for three hours yesterday!b) You cannot play with your tablet today. You have used it for three hours yesterday!

Answers

B

A

A

a) Did you check your mail this week? It is already Thursday!b) Have you checked your mail this week? It is already Thursday!

a) I had my first cup of coffee at 5:30 this morning.b) I have had my first cup of coffee at 5:30 this morning.

a) So far, I finished half of the things on my to-do list.b) So far, I have finished half of the things on my to-do list.

a) I played that computer game last year!b) I have played that computer game last year!

Answers

B

A

B

A

a) Edith knitted four scarves this week. She wants to knit three more by next week.b) Edith has knitted four scarves this week. She wants to knit three more by next week.

a) Did you decide what to do about your work situation yet?b) Have you decided what to do about your work situation yet?

a) He is a famous engineer. He wrote two design manuals already.b) He is a famous engineer. He has written two design manuals already.

Answers

B

B

B

Exercise BMatch the sentences below with the sentences in each exercise to complete the idea.

a) Unfortunately, they have lost all of them!b) She has learned to organize a lot of different tasks in that time.c) All of the musicians played their instruments very well.d) He has described it in exactly the same way each time, too!e) I hope no one has had dinner yet!f) She still has not figured out where she is!g) Has the company checked all of the information in those documents?h) He knows that you will be late to class today.i) He has about twenty left to deliver.j) I thought about it for hours, but I did not find an answer.

Elaine has checked her map six times.

The band performed last week in front of a big audience.

Answers

F

C


That reporter has told the same story three times this week!

I have called your teacher, Johnny.

Brad's favorite team has played seven games so far this season.

Answers

D

H

A


Natalie has worked as a personal assistant for three years.

You asked me a very difficult question yesterday.

Kip has delivered half of his newspapers so far.

Answers

B

J

I


I have filled out all of the forms and paperwork!

I have made lots of pasta for everyone!

Answers

G

E

Answers

Exercise CComplete the sentences using the verb in parentheses in the present perfect or the simple past.

Beth ____________ (play) the piano since she was a little girl.

In the performance last night, the clown __________ (make) everyone laugh.

Where are my keys? I am sure I ____________ (put) them in my purse this morning!

had played

made

put

Answers

I am sure you ____________ (look) at cars before, but I have the best cars in the whole world!

I _____________ (ask) the same question four times, but I still do not understand.

This is so strange. I ____________ (change) the batteries in the remote control last week, but it is not working!

At the end of last year, Nina ____________ (make) a list of all the things she wanted to improve.

have looked

have asked

changed

made

Answers

Ned is organizing the safety regulations. He ____________ (place) almost all of the signs already.

James ____________ (want) to be an astronaut ever since he first read about the moon landing.

Poor Tom ____________ (fall) down yesterday. He is all right, though.

has placed

has wanted

fell

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Past & Present Perfect Tenses