The Past Simple is quite different from the Present Perfect in many ways.
The Past Simple is used to explain the finished past while the Present Perfect is used to focus on a present result as discussed in Grammar 5-2.
Past Simple - completed past
- My grandfather worked in many restaurants when he was younger. (He doesn’t work in them anymore.)
- I cut my finger cooking dinner last night.
- He bought a first aid kit on his way to work this morning.
Present Perfect - focus on a present result
- My grandfather has worked in this company for over 30 years. (He still works in this company.)
- I've cut my finger, which is why it’s bandaged up.
- He's bought a first aid kit, so now he can hike.
The Past Simple is used to describe things in the definite past whereas the Present Perfect is used to describe things in the indefinite past.
Past Simple - definite past
- We met two years ago.
- He went to France last year.
- Did you readthe safety instructions last night?
Present Perfect - indefinite past
- We have met before.
- Hehas been to France (before).
- Have you (ever) readthe safety instructions for an airplane?
When we use the Present Perfect to introduce an experience in the indefinite past, we use the Past Simple to describe details.
- I have read the safety guide, but I didn't understand it. (when I read it)
- She has been to Thailand, but she didn't go to Bangkok. (when she went)
- I have never really tried skydiving. I almost did though. I went up in an airplane, but I didn't have enough courage to jump. (during the time I tried to go skydiving)
Here are some common adverbs used with the Past Simple and the Present Perfect, some of which were introduced in Grammar 5-1:
Recently
Past Simple
- I saw him recently. I think it was 1 week ago. (focus on finished action)
Present Perfect
- I have seen him recently. He looks great! (focus on present result)
Lately
Present Perfect
- Lately, I have been worried about our safety at work.
Before
Past Simple
- When you ate that cheese before, did you know it wasn’t fresh?
Present Perfect
- Have you ever eaten cheese that has gone bad before?
Since
Present Perfect
- I have been here since 8:00 A.M.
Yet
Present Perfect
- I haven’t eaten breakfast yet.
For
Past Simple
- On Monday, we had a fire drill for 2 hours.
Present Perfect
- So far this class, we’ve learned about fire safety for an hour.
Never
Past Simple
- She never attended the training session.
Present Perfect
- She has never attended a training session.
Ever
Past Simple
- Did you ever smoke when you were younger?
Present Perfect
- Have you ever smoked?
Just
Past Simple
- I just ate breakfast an hour ago.
Present Perfect
- I have just eaten breakfast, so I’m not hungry.
Ago
Past Simple
- I worked with heavy machinery many years ago.
Still
Present Perfect
- I still haven’t updated my smartphone to protect against the new virus.
Already
Past Simple
- He already did his homework before he played video games.
Present Perfect
- He's already finished his homework, so he can play video games now.
Sometimes, even if we do not say a definite past time or adverb, it is possible to create a past time in our heads, so we still use the Past Simple.
- Did you have a good flight? (You have just arrived at the airport. The speaker and listener understand that the flight is finished.)
- I never liked math class. (We understand math class was when the speaker was younger and in school. That time is finished.)
- I didn't use soap in the shower. (We understand this was during the most recent shower - probably this morning.)
- When did you buy that computer? (We are asking about details in the definite past.)
- I didn't sleep well, so I don’t think I should drive. (If said in the morning, this clearly means "last night.")
Open the exercise and follow the instruction. Then come back to the lesson.
Speaking Practice
Students work in pairs and open the following tabs.
Students ask and answer the questions provided using the Past Simple or Present Perfect.
The grammar tense for the partner's answer is provided, so students should correct each other's answers if the incorrect tense is used.
- What steps did you take to ensure your safety the last time you travelled? (partner’s answer should be in the past simple)
- Have you taken any steps to ensure your safety online? (partner’s answer should be in the present perfect)
- If yes, what have you done?
- If no, why not?
- Have you ever thought about how to save someone from a dangerous situation? (partner’s answer should be in the present perfect)
- What is the most dangerous thing you did when you were younger? (partner’s answer should be in the past simple)
- Did you go to the hospital the last time you felt sick or were hurt? (partner's answer should be in the past simple)
- If yes, how did you get there?
- If not, why not?
- What were you afraid of when you were young? (partner's answer should be in the past simple)
- Have you ever been in charge of someone else’s safety? (partner's answer should be in the present perfect)
- What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? (partner's answer should be in the present perfect)