Past simple and Present perfect

Present simple - form

• regular verbs: infinitive + ed Example: I worked

• irregular verbs: see 2nd column of irregular verbs

Example: I spoke

When do we use past simple?• For an action that occured at a definite time in

the past (The postman delivered the parcel at 8 o´clock

this morning.)

• For actions that happened immediately after one another in the past

(She opened the curtains and looked out of the window.)

• For habits or states which are now finished (Mr Jones worked in a factory when he was

younger.)

The time expressions we use with the present simple

• yesterday• then• when• How long ago...?• last night/week/month/year/Friday/October• three days/weeks ago• in 1999

Present perfect - form

• regular verbs: form of 'have' + infinitive + ed Example: I / you / we / they have worked

he / she / it has worked

• irregular verbs: form of 'have' + 3rd column of irregular verbs

Example: I / you / we / they have spoken he / she / it has spoken

When do we use Present perfect?• An action that happened at an unstated time

in the past. Time – unimportant or unknown (Mary has been to Italy twice.)

• A recently completed action (I have finished my geography essay.)

• An action which started in the past and continues up to the present (with stative verbs be, have, like, know...)

(I have known him for six years.)

• Personal experiences or changes (She has dyed her hair.)

Stative verbs - express a state rather than an action. They usually relate to thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, states of being and measurements. These verbs are not normally used with continuous tenses

The time expressions we use with the Present perfect

• For• Since• Already• Always• Just• Ever• Never

• So far• Today• This week/month• How long• Lately• Recently• Still (in negations)

Past simple vs. Present perfect

Thank you for your attention