Logotipo da escola Sue’s Chat & That com microfone, nome em azul, rosa e amarelo e ilustração de professora apontando
Logotipo da escola Sue’s Chat & That com microfone, nome em azul, rosa e amarelo e ilustração de professora apontando

B1 - Present Perfect vs
Past Simple 8

Present Perfect vs Past Simple

⚖️Present Perfect vs Past Simple

💡Both tenses talk about the past, but they are used in different situations. The key is understanding when and why we use each one!

📊Comparison Chart - With Time Expressions

FeaturePresent PerfectPast Simple
FocusAction connects past and present – result or experience matters nowAction happened in the past – finished, no connection to now
Time ExpressionUnfinished period / no exact time: ever, never, just, already, yet, lately, recently, so far, up to now, today, this week/month/year, since, for, in the last few days/weeks/months/yearsFinished time / exact moment: yesterday, last night/week/month/year, ago, in 2018, on Monday, when I was a child, two days ago, this morning (if it's finished), the other day, then
ExperienceUsed to talk about something you have done at least once in your life (time not important)Not used for general experience – only for specific past events
Ongoing ActionsStarted in the past and still continuing: uses for / sinceAlready finished in the past
Result NowPast action has an effect nowNo current effect – finished action
Structurehave / has + past participleverb + -ed (regular) / 2nd form (irregular)

1️⃣Present Perfect - Connecting Past and Present

🔗Use the Present Perfect when a past action has a connection to the present moment. The result, experience, or effect is important now.

🏗️Structure:

  • 👤Subject + have/has + past participle
  • ✅I/You/We/They + have + past participle
  • ✅He/She/It + has + past participle

📝Examples with Time Expressions:

  • ⏰Experience: I have never been to Japan. (in my life - time not specific)
  • 🏠Result now: She has just arrived home. (she is here now)
  • 📚Ongoing: We have lived here for 5 years. (still living here)
  • 📱Recent past: I have recently bought a new phone. (it's relevant now)

2️⃣Past Simple - Finished Actions

🕰️Use the Past Simple for actions that happened and finished at a specific time in the past. There is no connection to now.

🏗️Structure:

  • 👤Subject + past form of verb
  • ✅Regular verbs: add -ed (worked, played, studied)
  • ✅Irregular verbs: use 2nd form (went, saw, bought)

📝Examples with Time Expressions:

  • 📅Specific time: I went to Japan last year. (finished time)
  • 🏠Past event: She arrived home two hours ago. (specific time)
  • 📚Finished period: We lived there when I was a child. (not anymore)
  • 📱Past action: I bought this phone yesterday. (specific day)

🔍Key Time Expression Differences:

  • 🔄Present Perfect Time Words: ever, never, just, already, yet, recently, lately, so far, since, for, today, this week/month/year
  • ⏰Past Simple Time Words: yesterday, last night/week/year, ago, in 2018, on Monday, when I was young, two days ago
  • ⚠️Special case: "This morning" = Present Perfect (if morning isn't finished) / Past Simple (if morning is finished)

📋Usage Examples Side by Side:

🆚Compare these sentences:

  • ✅Present Perfect: I have been to Paris. (experience in my life)
  • ✅Past Simple: I went to Paris last summer. (specific time)
  • ✅Present Perfect: She has finished her homework. (result: homework is done now)
  • ✅Past Simple: She finished her homework at 8 PM. (specific time)
  • ✅Present Perfect: They have lived here for 3 years. (still living here)
  • ✅Past Simple: They lived here for 3 years. (not anymore)

💭Remember:

  • 🔗Present Perfect = Past action connected to NOW (result, experience, or ongoing)
  • 🕰️Past Simple = Finished action at specific past time
  • ⏰Time expressions help you choose: unfinished time = Present Perfect, finished time = Past Simple
  • ❓Ask yourself: "Is this connected to now?" If yes → Present Perfect. If no → Past Simple.