In this session you’ll review the difference in use between simple past and present perfect, and the time expressions to use with each tense. 

Past simple

•   We use the past simple to talk about finished actions and events in the past when there is a clear reference to a specific time in the past, or when the past time reference is clearly implied or understood.

Example: I had a great time at the party last night.

                  Did you enjoy it, too? (It’s clear in this context that this question refers to last night.)

Present perfect

We use the present perfect simple to talk about finished actions and events in the past when there is no time reference, or when it’s not important, or we don’t know exactly when the action happened.

Example: I’ve read that book many times.

• We also used the present perfect to talk about unfinished actions and events.

Example: I’ve lived in this city for many years, and I’m not planning to move.

•   Common expressions that refer to periods of time which continue to the present include so far, up to now, over/during the last four years.

• Some time expressions, such as this morning, today, this week, this month, can refer to both a period of time that has finished and a period of time that continues in the present.

Examples: Have you seen Mary this morning? (It is still morning.)

                   Did you see Mary this morning? (It is the afternoon; the morning has finished.)

for/since

• We use for with a length of time.

Example: I have worked here for 12 years.

• We use since with a point of time to describe when the period of time began.

Example: We’ve lived here since 2005.

already

• We use already to emphasise the fact that an action has happened before the present moment in time:

Example: He’s already left for work.

• We can use already in questions to express surprise at the fact that something has happened sooner than expected.

Example: Have you finished your homework already?

ever/never

• We use ever/never to talk and ask about life experiences when the person is still alive.

Examples:

Have you ever been to China? (ever = at any time during your life so far)

I’ve never been to Australia. (never = at no time during my life so far)

• If the person is dead, we use the past simple.

Example: My grandfather never returned to Italy.

(not) … yet

• We use (not) … yet to emphasise that an action or event has not happened at any time up to the present moment.

Example: I haven’t finished yet. Can you give me more time?

• We use yet in questions to ask if an action or event has happened before the present moment in time.

Example: Has the package arrived yet?

You can download a PDF version here ⬇️

Here are some activities to practise. 🤓

Activity 1

Activity 2

Activity 3

Reading comprehension 📃

True or false?