2.3: Simple Past vs Present Perfect
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Simple Past vs. Present Perfect
SIMPLE PAST: COMPLETED IN PAST
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A verb in the simple past tense can describe an activity, event or state of people who are no longer alive or situations which are obviously in the past, or during a period which is finished - especially with for.
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PRESENT PERFECT-CONNECTED TO THE PRESENT
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Present Perfect is used when we are talking about a past event or condition which has some sort of connection with, or effect on, the present. The event or condition may: Start in the past and continue to the present, End recently in the past, Be part of our lifetime experiences, or End in the past but have an effect on the present. These activities or conditions may also continue into the future. |
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PRESENT PERFECT-PAST TO PRESENT A verb in the present perfect may express that an activity began in the past and continued up to the present (and may extend into the future.) Adverbs so far, and up to now show this past-to-present timing. It can also express that an activity occurred during a specified period up until now-especially with for and since.
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PRESENT PERFECT-UNSPECIFIED TIME IN THE PAST A verb in the Present Perfect can be used to express single or repeated events which have or haven't happened at no specific time in the past (In the indefinite past).These events do not continue into the present. They are finished
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PRESENT PERFECT-EFFECTING THE PRESENT A verb in the Present Perfect can be used to express single or repeated events which happened or didn't happen in the past at an unspecified time and have an effect on or result in the present. The adverbs yet and already and still can be used in these contexts.
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Simple Past and Present Perfect : Past and Present Reference
One way of thinking about the difference in use of simple past and present perfect is to think of the names of the tenses themselves: Simple Past is used for something which is past and finished with, while Present Perfect is used when we are talking about a past event which has some sort of connection with, or effect on, the present.
If I say - I went to Paris last year, I am referring to a specific visit which is finished and done with, when certain things may have happened.
But if I simply say - I've been to Paris, the time is not important. What is important is that I have experienced Paris to some extent. I now know how crowded the Louvre can be; what the view from Montmartre is like, how smart the street cleaning trucks are, and so on.
If I say - I locked myself out of the house yesterday, it sounds as though that's all in the past, and that everything is OK now, and I can get back in.
But if I say - I've locked myself out of the house, it means I still haven't found my keys, with the present result that, for the time being at least, I can't get into my house.
"The Leaning Tower of Pisa." towerofpisa.org/tower-of-pisa-historical-facts/
Exercise 2.3.1: Correct or Incorrect
Decide whether the tense use is correct or incorrect
Select your response correct or incorrect. If it is incorrect, write the correct sentence below or next to your answer.
1. The Tower of Pisa was the center of attention since a long time.
Correct Incorrect--Correct Sentence:
2. For the people of Pisa, the tower has been a slightly imperfect bell tower to their cathedral.
Correct Incorrect--Correct Sentence:
3. For the Germans during World War II, the tower have been an observation tower and a landmark that deserved protection from bombing.
Correct Incorrect--Correct Sentence:
4. For 600 years, the tower is an example of excellent 11th century design, which unfortunately was placed on a bad foundation.
Correct Incorrect--Correct Sentence:
5. For tourists today, the tower has been a reminder that people make mistakes and that some are very beautiful!
Correct Incorrect--Correct Sentence:
Simple Past vs Present Perfect is derived from Grammar Quizzes by Julie Sevastopoulos, licensed for use under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International
Time Reference
When we use Simple Past, we usually given a specific past time reference. We sometimes do this with Present Perfect as well, so the first thing we need to do is to sort out what are past time references and what are present time references. Some expressions may refer to both past and present.
Exercise 2.3.2
In the chart below, identify each expression as a past time reference of a present time reference. Sometimes both are correct.
| Time Expression | Past | Present |
| 1. two days ago | ||
| 2. this morning (it is now 11AM) | ||
| 3. this morning (it is now 3PM) | ||
| 4. yesterday | ||
| 5. today | ||
| 6. last year / month / week | ||
| 7. during the summer (It is December now.) | ||
| 8. since last year | ||
| 9. last night | ||
| 10. when he was a child | ||
| 11. in 2008 | ||
| 12. since 2008 | ||
| 13. five minutes ago |
A note on past and current time periods
Expressions like yesterday, last week and the year before are sometimes referred to as past time periods, while today and this week are referred to as current time periods. We usually use Simple Past with past time periods and Present Perfect with present time periods.
But these are flexible. For example, if it's one o'clock and I haven't had lunch yet, I might consider that it's still morning, so I might use Present Perfect and say - I haven't had any coffee this morning, even though technically 'this morning' has finished.
Conversely when I get home, although it's still 'today', I probably consider my working day to be over and I might use Simple Past and say - I had so much work to do today.
So far
We use so far to mean up until now in a period that is not yet finished. It is often used with numbers or amounts, which we could reasonably expect to increase by the end of the given period; or with situations that could change later.
- We've sold ten contracts so far this week. (and we hope to sell some more)
- So far today, I've had 50 emails. (and no doubt I'll get more)
- We've had no replies so far. (but there's still time)
- How much have you done so far? (I don't expect you to have finished yet)
- Have you enjoyed it so far? (you might change your mind later)
Last week/month/year etc... and the last week/month/year etc...
Be careful with time expressions like last week /month /year etc and the last week/ month/year etc. They sound similar, but have different meanings and take different tenses:
- last week - the previous Monday to Sunday (or however you define your week)
- I read three books last week. - Simple Past - in the last week - the seven days up until and including today
- I've read four books in the last week. - Present Perfect
The expression the past week has the same meaning as the last week - I've read four books in the past week. Plural expressions such as in the last / past few weeks are also used with Present Perfect.
Exercise 2.3.3
Simple Past or Present Perfect? Use the verbs in the box in the correct tense to fill the blanks. Use contractions after pronouns. Use all of the verbs in the list. You will use some verbs more than once.
| make chat see sell ring stay visit see drive go be |
| 1. We ____________________ to the zoo last Tuesday. |
| 2. The automobile salesman____________________ six cars this week. |
| 3. ____________________ Jack in the last hour or so? (you) |
| 4. Yes. I ____________________ him before lunch. |
| 5. So far, the concert ____________________ really good. |
| 6. Last week I____________________ about 600 miles. |
| 7. In the last few years, the company____________________ a million dollars in profit. |
| 8. Your telephone ____________________ a minute or so ago. |
| 9. I ____________________ three model airplanes this morning and it isn't even noon yet. |
| 10. We ____________________ the beach almost every day this summer so far. |
| 11. They____________________ with us for Christmas and left after New Year's Day. |
| 12. I ____________________ with him several times this week. |
Recent Past - Things you've done or haven't done recently
We use Present Perfect to talk about things we've done or haven't done recently, usually with a result in the present. We often use these adverbs: just, already, yet, still, at last
Exercise 2.3. 4
Fill the blanks by entering the adverbs in the box. Each one is used twice. Some questions may have more than one possible answer. (Only write one.)
yet · already · still · just · at last (finally)
| 1. I've ____________ finished that book you lent me. It was really great! |
| 2. Have you seen that new film ____________ . Everyone's talking about it. |
| 3. You ____________ haven't answered my question. When is your exam? |
| 4. You don't need to do the dishes; I've ____________ done them. |
| 5. She's finished with the computer ____________ . I've been waiting for hours. |
| 6. I'm sorry but I haven't spoken to Davis about your project ____________ . |
| 7. It's 9 and you ____________haven't gotten up! Come on, rise and shine.. |
| 8. I've ____________ told you a hundred times. Don't do that to the cat! |
Note : just, recently: Although recently and just are usually used with Present Perfect, they can also be used with Simple Past. Sometimes the meaning can change slightly.
Exercise 2.3.5
Complete the sentences with the verbs in parentheses in either Present Perfect or Simple Past. Include any other words given in the parentheses. Use contractions for negatives.
| 1. I ________________ him leaving just as I arrived. (see) |
| 2. Look who ________________ into the room. (just / come) |
| 3. I _________________ her quite recently at a friend's party. (meet) |
| 4. There __________________ a lot about it in the news lately. (be) |
| 5. We ___________________ much of them recently. (not / see) |
| 6. I __________________ to him about it just the other day. (speak) |
| 7. He ___________________ to see us lately. (not / be) |
| 8. She ___________________ at the cookie factory until fairly recently. (work) |
In Your Lifetime up to Now
We often use Present Perfect without specifying a time - Have you seen 'The Shining'? - and when asking how often somebody has done something - How many times has your mother seen 'The Sound of Music'? - meaning during their lifetime up till now. We often use these adverbs:
ever, never, before, often, yet, once etc...
Exercise 2.3.6
Paul and Jenny are at a party on a boat on the River Thames in London. Complete their conversation by entering one word in each blank. The answers include not only the adverbs above, but some other words such as verbs (have/has) and quantity expressions.
| 1) Paul: Hello, my name's Paul. Haven't we met __________ , somewhere? |
| 2) Jenny: I think we __________ , yes. What a noise that helicopter's making. |
| 3) Paul: Have you __________ flown in a helicopter? |
| 4) Jenny: Only __________ . It was a birthday present. How about you? |
| 5) Paul: No,__________ . But I have been in a glider. That was fun. |
| 6) Jenny: Now that is one of those many things I've__________ done. Ever. |
| 7) Paul: And how __________ times have you flown on commercial flights? |
| 8) Jenny: Oh, lots of __________ . But only on vacation. |
| 9) Paul: And have you__________ had a bad experience when flying? |
| 10) Jenny: No. At least not__________ , knock on wood. ( The expression "knock on wood" is said after a confident or positive statement, to express a hope for one's good luck to continue.) |
| 11) Paul: Neither have I, thankfully. |
| 12) Jenny: And have you been on this boat __________ ? |
| 13) Paul: Yes, I __________ , in fact. I came to a party here last year. |
| 14) Jenny: This is my first time. I've __________ been on any of these Thames boats until now. |
| 15) Paul: Oh, isn't that Mary Johnson. I've seen her on TV ___________. |
| 16) Jenny: Yes, that's right. Have you __________ seen her show 'Cook It Right'? |
| 17) Paul: Yes, I have, but not very __________ . I'm usually working then. |
| 18) Jenny: I think I've probably __________ seen every episode. I'm a big fan. |
| 19) Paul: I've never actually seen a TV personality in the flesh __________ ("in the flesh" means "in person") |
| 20) Jenny: Well you have __________ . And she's coming over to speak to us. |
Note: never: Note that although we usually use never with Present Perfect, it can also be used with Simple Past : All the time he lived here, he never came to see us.
Discussing Experiences with Present Perfect and Simple Past
We often use Present Perfect to ask somebody generally about an experience, and then switch to Simple Past when we start talking about specifics.
Exercise 2.3.7
Complete these conversations with the verb given in parentheses in Present Perfect or Simple Past. If no verb is given, enter a short answer. Use contractions in negatives and after pronouns.
| Conversation 1 |
| A: ___________________ (1. you meet) my friend Candy? |
| B: Yes I have. We __________________ (2. meet) at a party back in August. |
| B. Oh, I think I ________________ (3. be) at that party, too. |
| Conversation 2 |
| A: Oh, no. I ________________ (4. lose) my car keys. |
| B: Are you sure? When ________________ (5. you see) them last? |
| A: I just remember that I ________________ (6. put) them down somewhere. |
| B: It's OK, I ________________ (7. find) them. Here you are. They _________________ (8. be) on that table over there. |
| Conversation 3 |
| A: You ________________ (9. just come) back from Mexico, haven't you? |
| B: Yes, we ________________ (10. get) back a couple of days ago. It________________ (11. be) absolutely wonderful. |
| A: Where ________________ (12. you go)? |
| B: We ________________ (13. spend) most of the time in the South, near Oaxaca. |
| A: What________________ (14. you like) most about Mexico? |
| B: It ______________ (15. be) the natural history that______________ (16. impress) us most. We __________ (17. not be) anywhere with such diversity of flora and fauna before. |
| Conversation 4 |
| A: _______________________ (18. you ever visit) the Czech Republic? |
| B: No, but we________________ (19. go) to Slovakia last year. That's just next door. |
| A: Oh I ________________ (20. never be) in Slovakia. What ________________ (21. be) your vacation like? |
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B: Great. We ________________ (22. stay) most of the time in the High Tatras. it's really beautiful, and the people________________ (23. be) really friendly. In fact, we ___________________(24. decide) to go back again, next year. |
"Leaning Tower of Pisa–Exterior." By Jordiferrer. Wikimedia, 7 Aug. 2016. Licensed under CC BY-SA4.0 International.
Past and Present Reference adapted from Random Idea English is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.