Rolya Alexandra, faculty of physics

Тема 6. Past simple vs present perfect. Difference between present perfect and past simple

Present Perfect Simple	Past Simple
Unfinished actions that started in the past and continue to the present: I've known Julie for ten years (and I still know her).	Finished actions: I knew Julie for ten years (but then she moved away and we lost touch).
A finished action in someone's life (when the person is still alive: life experience): My brother has been to Mexico three times.	A finished action in someone's life (when the person is dead): My great-grandmother went to Mexico three times.
A finished action with a result in the present: I've lost my keys! (The result is that I can't get into my house now).	A finished action with no result in the present: I lost my keys yesterday. It was terrible! (Now there is no result. I got new keys yesterday).
With an unfinished time word (this week, this month, today): I've seen John this week.	With a finished time word (last week, last month, yesterday): I saw John last week.

Remember:

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

2. 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.

3. We CAN'T use the present perfect with a finished time word.

Приклади вправ на граматику:

1. Choose the past simple or the present perfect:

1. Last night I lost (lose) my keys – I had to call my flatmate to let me in.

2. I have lost (lose) my keys – can you help me look for them?

3. I visited (visit) Paris three times.

4. Last year I visited (visit) Paris.

5. I knew (know) my great grandmother for a few years – she died when I was eight.

6. I have known (know) Julie for three years – we still meet once a month.

7. I have played (play) hockey since I was a child – I’m pretty good!

8. She played (play) hockey at school, but she don’t like (not / like) it.

9. Sorry, I’ve missed (miss) the bus, so I’m going to be late.

10. I mised (miss) the bus, and then I mised (miss) the airplane as well!

11. Last month I went (go) to Scotland.

12. I’m sorry, John isn’t here now. He has gone (go) to the shops.

13. We finished (finish) this room last week.

14. I have finished (finish) my exams finally – I’m so happy!

15. Yesterday, I went (go) to the library, the post office and the supermarket.

2. Choose the present perfect or past simple

1. I’ve seen (see) three police cars this morning.

2. After he arrived (arrive) home, he unpacked (unpack) and went (go) to bed early.

3. A: What’s wrong?

B: I broke (break) a glass!

4. My grandparents only knew (know) each other for a few months before they got (get) married.

5. I have been (be) in London for three years.

6. We saw (see) Julie last night.

7. He was (be) a teacher before he become (become) a musician.

8. When the boss has walked (walk) into the room, we knew (know) someone was going to get fired.

9. The children broke (break) a window in the school last week.

10. He saw (see) that film last year.

11. Lucy has broke (break) her leg, so she can’t come skiing.

12. Julie has arrived (arrive)! Come and say hello!

13. They were (be) cold when they arrived (arrive) home.

14. Jack broke (break) his arm when he felt (fall) off a horse in 2005.

15. I have known (know) about the problem for months, but I haven’t found (not / find) a solution yet.