Present Perfect + Past Simple - Part 2

Today's Lesson

Present Perfect + Past Simple- Part 2

start

Present Perfect + Past Simple

01

Do not use the present perfect (I have done) when you talk about a finished time (for example yesterday, ten minutes ago, in 1999, when I was a child). Use past tense:

• Dylan arrived ten minutes ago. (not has arrived)
• Did you eat many vegetables when you were a child? (not have you eaten)

It was very cold last week (not has been)

Present Perfect + Past Simple

02

Use the past to ask When… ? or What time …?

• When did your family arrive? (not have … arrived)
• What time did you finish the presentation?

03

Compare

Past Simple

Present Perfect

• Wanda has lost her wallet. She cannot pay for her meal.

• Has Alice left already?

• Wanda lost her wallet yesterday. She couldn’t pay for her meal.

• When did Alice leave?

04

Compare

Past Simple

Present Perfect

We use the present perfect for a period of time that continues until now. For example today, this week, since 1999.

• I’ve done a lot of cooking today

We use the past simple for a finished time in the past. For example yesterday, last week, from 1999 to 2005.

• I did a lot of cooking yesterday

finishedYESTERDAY

unfinishedTODAY

PAST NOW

PAST NOW

05

Compare

Past Simple

Present Perfect

• It hasn’t snowed this week.
• Have you seen my keys?
• Maddie has lived in London for five years.
• I have never played tennis.
• I’ve really enjoyed dinner, thanks.

• It didn’t snow last week.
• Did you see my keys in the kitchen?
• Maddie lived in Manchester for two years.
• I didn’t play tennis last weekend.
• It was a really good dinner party. I really enjoyed it.