English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite
B1 Base
START
PRESENT PERFECT
When is the PAST actually PRESENT?
FOUNDATION MODULE2
OUTCOME STATEMENT To clearly understand the difference between Past Simple & Present Perfect and to be able to use each with more accuracy & confidence.
STUDY TIME: 45 Mins QUIZ: 30 Questions
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 1 OF 6
Hi Prof, can you give me some examples of when I should use Present Perfect and when I should use Past Simple?
Sure, but the choice of tense depends on what you need to say. Start the module and I'll help you focus on the differences in use.
START
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 1 OF 6
I'm going to take you through some examples on the next screens.The main things I want to look at are;
- Present Perfect & Time
- Past Simple & Time
On each screen, read me first then go through the examples or scenarios. But first, Where's Bigfoot?
Review the learning points below then Click NEXT
NEXT
Where's Bigfoot?
PAST SIMPLE is very interested in WHEN something HAPPENED
- I ATE. > This is not a correctly formulated past simple sentence because there is no time phrase or time context (here at youspeakplus, we use the term TIMESTAMPS to refer to all time words & phrases)
- I ATE SOME FRUIT AN HOUR AGO. > This sentence is . 'An hour ago' is a past simple TIME PHRASE
PRESENT PERFECT is NOT very interested in WHEN something HAPPENED. It's not necessary to specify WHEN something happened with Present Perfect bacause it's a PRESENT Tense, not a PAST Tense.
- I HAVE EATEN. > This sentence is
LEARNING POINT 1 PAST SIMPLE = WHAT & WHEN: I ATE AT 8AM.
LEARNING POINT 2 PRESENT PERFECT= WHAT (NOT WHEN): I HAVE EATEN.
LEARNING POINT 3 MAKE A BRIDGE BETWEEN PAST & PRESENT WITH SINCE I HAVEN'T EATEN SINCE 8AM.
We can use SINCE to make a bridge between the PAST and the PRESENT
- I HAVEN'T EATEN SINCE 8am this morning. > This sentence is
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 2 OF 6
THIS YEAR
JUNE = THIS MONTH
France Spain Holland Germany The UK If you say 'THIS YEAR' you can use PRESENT PERFECT
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
I've visited 5 countries this year!
The key concept that I want to repeat to you here is that Present Perfect is not particularly interested in exactly WHEN an event happens. This is because Present Perfect is always relevent to NOW! So, we often use it with no TIMESTAMP or with 'open' TIMESTAMPS, such as 'this week', 'today', 'recently' or even, 'in my life'. Let's see some examples: Click thru 1 - 3, then FOCUS
Chocolate Soufflé
I've made chocolate soufflé
CONTEXT!
These time words & expressions can all reference 'Present Time' and so can be used with Present Perfect
- This week/month/year/decade/century
- In the last few weeks (in means during)
- Since 1970 (since Tuesday/Since 9am)
e.g. I've been to Paris.
Look carefully at the list of words and expressions that we commonly use with Present Perfect. When you are ready, click the info box for extra information regarding Since & For! When you have finished, use the navigation button to go to the next screen.
THIS WEEK
TODAY
'THIS WEEK' is considered a PRESENT TIME PERIOD.If you say 'THIS WEEK' you can use PRESENT PERFECT
This week I've studied for next week's exam
FOCUS
NEXT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 3 OF 6
The second thing I want you to remember is that if you name a day, month, year or hour, it's PAST not PRESENT.i.e. On monday this week is past but This week is present If the TIMESTAMP words you choose to use reference 'finished' time, you can't use Present Perfect!
THIS WEEK
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
TODAY
I studied on Tuesday & Thursday.
STUDIED FOR THE EXAM
STUDIED FOR THE EXAM
These time words and expressions all signal that the time period is finished and are used with Past Tenses, not with Present Perfect
- At 9am (at the weekend etc)
- Last week/month/year/century
- In the 1970s (any decade)
- When (any 'when' reference)
- 1 second ago (any time ago)
- In March (any past month)
- In the 20th century (any past century)
- As a child (teenager etc - any past stage of life = when I was)
- In the morning (in the afternoon/evening)
NEXT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 4 OF 6
THIS WEEK
TODAY
We've had pizza 3 times this week!
THIS WEEK'S DINNERS
Now let's develop the theme. We are still using 'This week' as the TIMESTAMP expression. So what tense are we using? That's right, Present Perfect!
SCENARIO
What else have they had for dinner this week?
What + Present Time Period = this week? = We've eaten some chicken this week. this week? = We've had some fish this week. this week? = But we haven't had any noodles this week. Don't use Past Simple with Present Time Periods
NEXT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 5 OF 6
OK, So now we know what they've had for dinner this week, i.e. the list of dinners, but not exactly WHEN they ate each thing.If we want to know WHEN, we use Past Simple: e.g. When did they have chicken for dinner?
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
THIS WEEK
TODAY
She had chicken on Tuesday
To say WHEN something took place, use Past Simple. Past Simple requires that you specify both WHAT and WHEN!
When ? = When did they have pizza? answer: They had pizza on Monday, Wednesday and Friday When ? = When did they have fish? answer: They had fish on Thursday Because today is Saturday, we can also say: They had chicken for dinner four days ago They had fish for dinner two days ago They had pizza for dinner last night/yesterday
SCENARIO
NEXT
A4E B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 6 OF 6
Now, let me summarise:We use Present Perfect with words that reference present, unfinished, time periods. We use it to mention either single or lists of events if we don't need to specify exactly when they occured. If we need to specify exactly when, we use Past Simple. but what about the period called 'TODAY'? Imagine that today is Saturday and it's 6pm now
I've had an apple and some pasta
TODAY
Saturday
What have you eaten today?
Saturday
Breakfast
Lunch
No, I had the apple for breakfast and the pasta for lunch
TODAY
Apple and Pasta! Together?
'TODAY' as a whole is Present, but parts of it are Past
Question about whole day: What have you eaten today? (Present Perfect because 'today' is present) Remember that we can answer this question in 2 ways: 1. With Present Perfect if we want to list all food and it's not necessary to specify exactly when during the day (or week etc) i.e. I've eaten an apple and some pasta. 2. With Past Simple if we want to link the action to a specific time (Past Simple must include What & When) i.e. I had an apple for breakfast and some pasta for lunch. What = When = at breakfast time What = When= at lunchtime
SCENARIO
Review
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: PRESENT PERFECT FOUNDATIONS: Module 1 screen 5 of 5
Main learning point: PRESENT PERFECT is a PRESENT TENSE! Don't use words that locate actions in the PAST, with Present Perfect.
Present Perfect loves...
Present Perfect hates...
Present Perfect 'It's complicated'
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
- This week/month/year/decade/century
- Since 1970 (since Tuesday/Since 9am)
Present Perfect LOVES these Time Reference Words
e.g. I've been to Paris 5 times.
Present Perfect both LOVES & HATES these words. It all depends on the time or day!
1. Before midday: "This morning" is Present e.g. "What have you done this morning?"
1. After midday: "This morning" is Past i.e. What did you do this morning?
2. Before leaving work: "Today at work" is Present e.g. "Today at work, I have written 3 reports"
2. After leaving work: "Today at work" is Past i.e. "Today at work, I wrote 3 reports."
1. also: This afternoon - before 6pm is present, after is past
3. Said on Sat/Sun: "This weekend" is Present e.g. "What have you done this weekend?"
3. Said on Monday: "This weekend" is Past i.e. "What did you do this weekend?"
Present Perfect HATES these Time Reference Words: they signal the Past simple or continuous!
- At 9am (at the weekend etc)
- Last week/month/year/century
- When (any 'when' reference)
- 1 second ago (i.e. 'any' time ago)
means: when I was a child
Module Close & Practice
please close the window and look at the next photo
1 Has something walked on the snow?
YES NO
YES NO
2. When exactly did the animal leave its pawprints in the snow, a or b?
a. We don't, and can't, know exactly when!
b. Yesterday!
b. Yesterday!
The photo provides zero information about exactly when the animal walked on the snow and left its pawprint! We use Past Simple to ask exactly when an event happened, but there may not always be an answer! Qu) When did the animal leave its pawprints in the snow? Ans) We don't know exactly when.
a. We don't, and can't, know exactly when!
The photo provides zero information about exactly when the animal walked on the snow and left its pawprint! However, even without knowing exactly when, we still have evidence that an animal has walked on the snow! Remember: Present Perfect is interested in WHAT HAPPENED, not exactly WHEN something HAPPENED
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.6571,-152.518
A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
please close the window and look at the next photo
1. Are there any footprints in the photo?
YES NO
YES NO
2. Who has walked on this snow, a or b ?
a. Bigfoot
a. Bigfoot Bigfoot hasn't walked on this snow
b. A man with big boots and a child with small boots
b. A man with big boots and a child with small boots
- Present Perfect is a combination of now with the past.
- Unlike Past Simple, we can make correct Present Perfect expressions without any time reference words.
- Although the man and child are not in the photo now, there is clear evidence that they were there at some undefined time in the past.
The footprints (from the past) are the evidence (in the present)
- A man and child have walked on this snow!
Past Fact- the verb of action
Present Fact- the auxilliary verb
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.642,-152.538
You have finished this lesson. Now do the quiz on the site
Click the shapes below to reveal the story and instructions
Julia is trekking in Alaska. She is there because she's looking for Bigfoot! She read a book about Bigfoot when she was a child and really believes that the creature exists.
Yesterday she saw this sign: She took a photo of it and posted it on her socials with the tag "I'm sure Bigfoot is around here somewhere, help me find him!". She asked her followers for photos with GPS co-ordinates. She didn't expect to receive photos of Bigfoot itself, but hoped to get ones with evidence of its existence. Footprints in the snow would be good evidence and a trail for her to follow in her quest to find Bigfoot!
I'm sure Bigfoot is around here somewhere, help me find him!
Vocabulary Note
"A trail to follow" means a path or a series of clues that you can follow to reach a place or to find out more information about something. For example: "The detective found a trail to follow to solve the mystery." It's like when you walk on a path in a forest or follow steps to discover something.
"A quest" is a long search or journey to find something important. It often involves adventure or a difficult challenge. For example: "The hero went on a quest to find the lost treasure." It's like going on an exciting journey to reach a goal or to discover something special.
Her social feed received lots of photos, but are any of them photos of Bigfoot's footprints? After you close this window, open the first photo and click on the sentences which you think are correct.
Compare
THIS WEEK
TODAY
This week I've studied for next week's exam
- This week = Present Time Reference
- We don't know exactly when he studied during the week
I studied for the exam on Tuesday & Thursday
THIS WEEK
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
TODAY
- On Tuesday & Thursday = Past Time Reference
- We now know exactly when he studied during the week
If you need to indicate exactly WHEN an action happened, Use Past Simple
Chocolate Soufflé
I've made chocolate soufflé
THIS PHRASE HAS 2 POSSIBLE MEANINGS
1. He has made chocolate soufflé at some point in his life*
*Present Perfect for LIFE EXPERIENCE - see the relevant AIM4 Module for more info
2. He has made chocolate soufflé AND it is ready now**
**Present Perfect for NEWS & recent events - see the relevant YSP Module for more info
CONTEXT IS IMPORTANT WITH PRESENT PERFECT:
Match a conversation with 1 or 2 above
Janet: Have you ever made any French food?Jack: Well, I've made chocolate soufflé and I've done frogs legs a few times. Janet: Frogs legs! Sounds disgusting. What was the soufflé like? Any good? Jack: Not bad, a bit rich and it took me hours to prepare. I don't think I'll ever do it again.
Jane: What's for dessert?Jim: I've made chocolate soufflé, I hope you like it. Jane: Great! I'm sure it'll be delicious
please close the window and look at the next photo
1. Are there any footprints in this photo of snow?
YES NO
YES NO
2. So, is there any evidence of Bigfoot in the photo?
YES NO
YES NO
3. With regard to the picture, is the statement "Nobody walked on this snow" correct?
YES NO
YES NO
In British English, Past Simple tense requires information about WHAT & WHEN* to be correct; 1. WHAT = a verb, e.g. walked 2. WHEN = a past timestamp/time reference phrase, e.g. yesterday, at 9am, last week So, 'Nobody walked on this snow' is not a correctly formulated Past Simple statement because there is no past time reference phrase.
What & When* : You don't need to say when if you are telling a joke, e.g. A horse walked into a bar and the barman asked "why the long face?" Ha Ha Ha! (British humour often includes word play. The idiomatic expression "Why the long face" means 'You look sad/upset - Why?'
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.651,-152.418
please close the window and look at the next photo
1. Has something walked on the snow?
YES NO
YES NO
2. Roughly*, when did something walk on the snow, a or b?
2. Roughly* means approximately in this context
a. We can never know!
b. Since the last time it snowed!
a. We can never know!
If we can discover when it last snowed, we can define a time period, i.e. draw a line from THAT POINT to NOW, and say that the 'walking event' happened in that time period. We use Present Perfect to talk about things that happened during a time period that started in the PAST and reaches NOW Something has walked on the snow since the last time it snowed
b. Since the last time it snowed!
PAST EVENT
SINCE = A BRIDGE FROM PAST TO PRESENT
PRESENT PERFECT STATEMENT
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.651,-152.418
3. Click me to see what Bigfoot thinks of people who need to use snowshoes
please close the window
1. Has something walked in the snow since it snowed at 4am last night?
YES NO
YES NO
2. Has Julia now received 'evidence' she can follow up on?
Remember, Julia is a believer! A sceptic might say "This photo doesn't prove anything", but Julia is going to visit the GPS co-ordinates and see for herself! Good luck Julia!!
YES NO
YES NO
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.651,-152.418
To be continued...
NOW, CLOSE THE WINDOW
Follow the dialogue
Because we've had pizza 3 times this week!
Why not pizza?
What are we having for dinner tonight?
I dunno, but not pizza.
Present Perfect - Lists of events & activities
- To make a list of events & activities in a Present Time Period, e.g. today, this week, this year etc, use Present Perfect
This week I've
- written 50 emails.
- had dinner with friends.
- been to the cinema.
- read War and Peace.
Typical Mistake: Mixed time periods
Don't slip up and use a finished time period with present perfect, e.g.
This week I've been to the cinema on Monday (WRONG)
correct correct
This week I've been to the cinema
- or - I went to the cinema on Monday
Now, close the window
Follow the dialogue
Apple and Pasta! Together?
What have you eaten today?
I've had an apple and some pasta
No! I had the apple for breakfast and the pasta for lunch
FOCUS: SINCE
1a. I've been here since 9am this morning (Present Perfect Simple: Be is a state verb)
In Present Perfect, SINCE connects a point from the Past (the start point) to the Present (i.e. the moment of speaking)
1b. I've been working since 9am this morning (Present Perfect Continuous: Work is an action verb)
2a. I've had my car since 2008 (Present Perfect Simple: Have = Possess/Own, state verb)
3b. I've been having headaches since Tuesday (Present Perfect Continuous: Have = Suffer from, action verb)
2b. I've been teaching since 2008 (Present Perfect Continuous: Teach is an action verb)
3a. I haven't seen her since Tuesday (Present Perfect Simple: See = have sight of, state verb)
FLOW OF TIME: PAST TO PRESENT
EVENT:STILL TRUE NOW
EVENT: START POINT E.G.
- 9AM THIS MORNING
- 2008
- TUESDAY
FOCUS: SINCE 3 WEEKS AGO & FOR 3 WEEKS
SINCE 'X MINUTES/HOURS/DAYS/WEEKS/YEARS' AGO operates like 'FOR 'X MINUTES/HOURS/DAYS/WEEKS/YEARS'
FLOW OF TIME: PAST TO PRESENT
EVENT:STILL TRUE NOW
EVENT: START POINT
Since 'X' time ago & For 'X' time both create a line from the Present looking back to the start point. This means that the 'X' period increases as time moves forward. Compare:
Today is Thursday
I haven't seen her since Tuesday
I haven't seen her since 2 days ago
Now it's Friday
I haven't seen her since Tuesday
I haven't seen her since 3 days ago
Since: No Change
Since 'x' ago: 2 days increased to 3 days
NB! Since also means 'because' and is used in any tense, e.g. Since I love her, I put up with her mood swings.
Now, Close the window
Follow the dialogue
I had chicken on Tuesday
When did you have chicken for dinner?
PERFECT FOUNDATIONS: 2. Present Perfect & Time
J B
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Transcript
English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite
B1 Base
START
PRESENT PERFECT
When is the PAST actually PRESENT?
FOUNDATION MODULE2
OUTCOME STATEMENT To clearly understand the difference between Past Simple & Present Perfect and to be able to use each with more accuracy & confidence.
STUDY TIME: 45 Mins QUIZ: 30 Questions
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 1 OF 6
Hi Prof, can you give me some examples of when I should use Present Perfect and when I should use Past Simple?
Sure, but the choice of tense depends on what you need to say. Start the module and I'll help you focus on the differences in use.
START
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 1 OF 6
I'm going to take you through some examples on the next screens.The main things I want to look at are;
- Present Perfect & Time
- Past Simple & Time
On each screen, read me first then go through the examples or scenarios. But first, Where's Bigfoot?Review the learning points below then Click NEXT
NEXT
Where's Bigfoot?
PAST SIMPLE is very interested in WHEN something HAPPENED
PRESENT PERFECT is NOT very interested in WHEN something HAPPENED. It's not necessary to specify WHEN something happened with Present Perfect bacause it's a PRESENT Tense, not a PAST Tense.
LEARNING POINT 1 PAST SIMPLE = WHAT & WHEN: I ATE AT 8AM.
LEARNING POINT 2 PRESENT PERFECT= WHAT (NOT WHEN): I HAVE EATEN.
LEARNING POINT 3 MAKE A BRIDGE BETWEEN PAST & PRESENT WITH SINCE I HAVEN'T EATEN SINCE 8AM.
We can use SINCE to make a bridge between the PAST and the PRESENT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 2 OF 6
THIS YEAR
JUNE = THIS MONTH
France Spain Holland Germany The UK If you say 'THIS YEAR' you can use PRESENT PERFECT
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
I've visited 5 countries this year!
The key concept that I want to repeat to you here is that Present Perfect is not particularly interested in exactly WHEN an event happens. This is because Present Perfect is always relevent to NOW! So, we often use it with no TIMESTAMP or with 'open' TIMESTAMPS, such as 'this week', 'today', 'recently' or even, 'in my life'. Let's see some examples: Click thru 1 - 3, then FOCUS
Chocolate Soufflé
I've made chocolate soufflé
CONTEXT!
These time words & expressions can all reference 'Present Time' and so can be used with Present Perfect
e.g. I've been to Paris.
Look carefully at the list of words and expressions that we commonly use with Present Perfect. When you are ready, click the info box for extra information regarding Since & For! When you have finished, use the navigation button to go to the next screen.
THIS WEEK
TODAY
'THIS WEEK' is considered a PRESENT TIME PERIOD.If you say 'THIS WEEK' you can use PRESENT PERFECT
This week I've studied for next week's exam
FOCUS
NEXT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 3 OF 6
The second thing I want you to remember is that if you name a day, month, year or hour, it's PAST not PRESENT.i.e. On monday this week is past but This week is present If the TIMESTAMP words you choose to use reference 'finished' time, you can't use Present Perfect!
THIS WEEK
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
TODAY
I studied on Tuesday & Thursday.
STUDIED FOR THE EXAM
STUDIED FOR THE EXAM
These time words and expressions all signal that the time period is finished and are used with Past Tenses, not with Present Perfect
NEXT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 4 OF 6
THIS WEEK
TODAY
We've had pizza 3 times this week!
THIS WEEK'S DINNERS
Now let's develop the theme. We are still using 'This week' as the TIMESTAMP expression. So what tense are we using? That's right, Present Perfect!
SCENARIO
What else have they had for dinner this week?
What + Present Time Period = this week? = We've eaten some chicken this week. this week? = We've had some fish this week. this week? = But we haven't had any noodles this week. Don't use Past Simple with Present Time Periods
NEXT
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 5 OF 6
OK, So now we know what they've had for dinner this week, i.e. the list of dinners, but not exactly WHEN they ate each thing.If we want to know WHEN, we use Past Simple: e.g. When did they have chicken for dinner?
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
THIS WEEK
TODAY
She had chicken on Tuesday
To say WHEN something took place, use Past Simple. Past Simple requires that you specify both WHAT and WHEN!
When ? = When did they have pizza? answer: They had pizza on Monday, Wednesday and Friday When ? = When did they have fish? answer: They had fish on Thursday Because today is Saturday, we can also say: They had chicken for dinner four days ago They had fish for dinner two days ago They had pizza for dinner last night/yesterday
SCENARIO
NEXT
A4E B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: FOUNDATION MODULES - PRESENT PERFECT & TIME
SCREEN 6 OF 6
Now, let me summarise:We use Present Perfect with words that reference present, unfinished, time periods. We use it to mention either single or lists of events if we don't need to specify exactly when they occured. If we need to specify exactly when, we use Past Simple. but what about the period called 'TODAY'? Imagine that today is Saturday and it's 6pm now
I've had an apple and some pasta
TODAY
Saturday
What have you eaten today?
Saturday
Breakfast
Lunch
No, I had the apple for breakfast and the pasta for lunch
TODAY
Apple and Pasta! Together?
'TODAY' as a whole is Present, but parts of it are Past
Question about whole day: What have you eaten today? (Present Perfect because 'today' is present) Remember that we can answer this question in 2 ways: 1. With Present Perfect if we want to list all food and it's not necessary to specify exactly when during the day (or week etc) i.e. I've eaten an apple and some pasta. 2. With Past Simple if we want to link the action to a specific time (Past Simple must include What & When) i.e. I had an apple for breakfast and some pasta for lunch. What = When = at breakfast time What = When= at lunchtime
SCENARIO
Review
YSP B+ GRAMMAR SUITE: PRESENT PERFECT FOUNDATIONS: Module 1 screen 5 of 5
Main learning point: PRESENT PERFECT is a PRESENT TENSE! Don't use words that locate actions in the PAST, with Present Perfect.
Present Perfect loves...
Present Perfect hates...
Present Perfect 'It's complicated'
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Present Perfect LOVES these Time Reference Words
e.g. I've been to Paris 5 times.
Present Perfect both LOVES & HATES these words. It all depends on the time or day!
1. Before midday: "This morning" is Present e.g. "What have you done this morning?"
1. After midday: "This morning" is Past i.e. What did you do this morning?
2. Before leaving work: "Today at work" is Present e.g. "Today at work, I have written 3 reports"
2. After leaving work: "Today at work" is Past i.e. "Today at work, I wrote 3 reports."
1. also: This afternoon - before 6pm is present, after is past
3. Said on Sat/Sun: "This weekend" is Present e.g. "What have you done this weekend?"
3. Said on Monday: "This weekend" is Past i.e. "What did you do this weekend?"
Present Perfect HATES these Time Reference Words: they signal the Past simple or continuous!
means: when I was a child
Module Close & Practice
please close the window and look at the next photo
1 Has something walked on the snow?
YES NO
YES NO
2. When exactly did the animal leave its pawprints in the snow, a or b?
a. We don't, and can't, know exactly when!
b. Yesterday!
b. Yesterday!
The photo provides zero information about exactly when the animal walked on the snow and left its pawprint! We use Past Simple to ask exactly when an event happened, but there may not always be an answer! Qu) When did the animal leave its pawprints in the snow? Ans) We don't know exactly when.
a. We don't, and can't, know exactly when!
The photo provides zero information about exactly when the animal walked on the snow and left its pawprint! However, even without knowing exactly when, we still have evidence that an animal has walked on the snow! Remember: Present Perfect is interested in WHAT HAPPENED, not exactly WHEN something HAPPENED
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.6571,-152.518
A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
please close the window and look at the next photo
1. Are there any footprints in the photo?
YES NO
YES NO
2. Who has walked on this snow, a or b ?
a. Bigfoot
a. Bigfoot Bigfoot hasn't walked on this snow
b. A man with big boots and a child with small boots
b. A man with big boots and a child with small boots
- Although the man and child are not in the photo now, there is clear evidence that they were there at some undefined time in the past.
The footprints (from the past) are the evidence (in the present)Past Fact- the verb of action
Present Fact- the auxilliary verb
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.642,-152.538
You have finished this lesson. Now do the quiz on the site
Click the shapes below to reveal the story and instructions
Julia is trekking in Alaska. She is there because she's looking for Bigfoot! She read a book about Bigfoot when she was a child and really believes that the creature exists.
Yesterday she saw this sign: She took a photo of it and posted it on her socials with the tag "I'm sure Bigfoot is around here somewhere, help me find him!". She asked her followers for photos with GPS co-ordinates. She didn't expect to receive photos of Bigfoot itself, but hoped to get ones with evidence of its existence. Footprints in the snow would be good evidence and a trail for her to follow in her quest to find Bigfoot!
I'm sure Bigfoot is around here somewhere, help me find him!
Vocabulary Note
"A trail to follow" means a path or a series of clues that you can follow to reach a place or to find out more information about something. For example: "The detective found a trail to follow to solve the mystery." It's like when you walk on a path in a forest or follow steps to discover something.
"A quest" is a long search or journey to find something important. It often involves adventure or a difficult challenge. For example: "The hero went on a quest to find the lost treasure." It's like going on an exciting journey to reach a goal or to discover something special.
Her social feed received lots of photos, but are any of them photos of Bigfoot's footprints? After you close this window, open the first photo and click on the sentences which you think are correct.
Compare
THIS WEEK
TODAY
This week I've studied for next week's exam
I studied for the exam on Tuesday & Thursday
THIS WEEK
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
TODAY
If you need to indicate exactly WHEN an action happened, Use Past Simple
Chocolate Soufflé
I've made chocolate soufflé
THIS PHRASE HAS 2 POSSIBLE MEANINGS
1. He has made chocolate soufflé at some point in his life*
*Present Perfect for LIFE EXPERIENCE - see the relevant AIM4 Module for more info
2. He has made chocolate soufflé AND it is ready now**
**Present Perfect for NEWS & recent events - see the relevant YSP Module for more info
CONTEXT IS IMPORTANT WITH PRESENT PERFECT:
Match a conversation with 1 or 2 above
Janet: Have you ever made any French food?Jack: Well, I've made chocolate soufflé and I've done frogs legs a few times. Janet: Frogs legs! Sounds disgusting. What was the soufflé like? Any good? Jack: Not bad, a bit rich and it took me hours to prepare. I don't think I'll ever do it again.
Jane: What's for dessert?Jim: I've made chocolate soufflé, I hope you like it. Jane: Great! I'm sure it'll be delicious
please close the window and look at the next photo
1. Are there any footprints in this photo of snow?
YES NO
YES NO
2. So, is there any evidence of Bigfoot in the photo?
YES NO
YES NO
3. With regard to the picture, is the statement "Nobody walked on this snow" correct?
YES NO
YES NO
In British English, Past Simple tense requires information about WHAT & WHEN* to be correct; 1. WHAT = a verb, e.g. walked 2. WHEN = a past timestamp/time reference phrase, e.g. yesterday, at 9am, last week So, 'Nobody walked on this snow' is not a correctly formulated Past Simple statement because there is no past time reference phrase.
What & When* : You don't need to say when if you are telling a joke, e.g. A horse walked into a bar and the barman asked "why the long face?" Ha Ha Ha! (British humour often includes word play. The idiomatic expression "Why the long face" means 'You look sad/upset - Why?'
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.651,-152.418
please close the window and look at the next photo
1. Has something walked on the snow?
YES NO
YES NO
2. Roughly*, when did something walk on the snow, a or b?
2. Roughly* means approximately in this context
a. We can never know!
b. Since the last time it snowed!
a. We can never know!
If we can discover when it last snowed, we can define a time period, i.e. draw a line from THAT POINT to NOW, and say that the 'walking event' happened in that time period. We use Present Perfect to talk about things that happened during a time period that started in the PAST and reaches NOW Something has walked on the snow since the last time it snowed
b. Since the last time it snowed!
PAST EVENT
SINCE = A BRIDGE FROM PAST TO PRESENT
PRESENT PERFECT STATEMENT
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.651,-152.418
3. Click me to see what Bigfoot thinks of people who need to use snowshoes
please close the window
1. Has something walked in the snow since it snowed at 4am last night?
YES NO
YES NO
2. Has Julia now received 'evidence' she can follow up on?
Remember, Julia is a believer! A sceptic might say "This photo doesn't prove anything", but Julia is going to visit the GPS co-ordinates and see for herself! Good luck Julia!!
YES NO
YES NO
Photo GPS co-ordinates:65.651,-152.418
To be continued...
NOW, CLOSE THE WINDOW
Follow the dialogue
Because we've had pizza 3 times this week!
Why not pizza?
What are we having for dinner tonight?
I dunno, but not pizza.
Present Perfect - Lists of events & activities
This week I've
Typical Mistake: Mixed time periods
Don't slip up and use a finished time period with present perfect, e.g.
This week I've been to the cinema on Monday (WRONG)
correct correct
This week I've been to the cinema
- or - I went to the cinema on Monday
Now, close the window
Follow the dialogue
Apple and Pasta! Together?
What have you eaten today?
I've had an apple and some pasta
No! I had the apple for breakfast and the pasta for lunch
FOCUS: SINCE
1a. I've been here since 9am this morning (Present Perfect Simple: Be is a state verb)
In Present Perfect, SINCE connects a point from the Past (the start point) to the Present (i.e. the moment of speaking)
1b. I've been working since 9am this morning (Present Perfect Continuous: Work is an action verb)
2a. I've had my car since 2008 (Present Perfect Simple: Have = Possess/Own, state verb)
3b. I've been having headaches since Tuesday (Present Perfect Continuous: Have = Suffer from, action verb)
2b. I've been teaching since 2008 (Present Perfect Continuous: Teach is an action verb)
3a. I haven't seen her since Tuesday (Present Perfect Simple: See = have sight of, state verb)
FLOW OF TIME: PAST TO PRESENT
EVENT:STILL TRUE NOW
EVENT: START POINT E.G.
FOCUS: SINCE 3 WEEKS AGO & FOR 3 WEEKS
SINCE 'X MINUTES/HOURS/DAYS/WEEKS/YEARS' AGO operates like 'FOR 'X MINUTES/HOURS/DAYS/WEEKS/YEARS'
FLOW OF TIME: PAST TO PRESENT
EVENT:STILL TRUE NOW
EVENT: START POINT
Since 'X' time ago & For 'X' time both create a line from the Present looking back to the start point. This means that the 'X' period increases as time moves forward. Compare:
Today is Thursday
I haven't seen her since Tuesday
I haven't seen her since 2 days ago
Now it's Friday
I haven't seen her since Tuesday
I haven't seen her since 3 days ago
Since: No Change
Since 'x' ago: 2 days increased to 3 days
NB! Since also means 'because' and is used in any tense, e.g. Since I love her, I put up with her mood swings.
Now, Close the window
Follow the dialogue
I had chicken on Tuesday
When did you have chicken for dinner?