SIMPLE PAST VS. PRESENT PERFECT

Unit 4, pg. 24

Comparing simple past and present perfect

Simple Past

used with these time phrases: yesterday, last (month, week, year etc.), in 2005 (past date)

Present Perfect

has/have + p.p

used with these time phrases: recently, lately, so far this (week, month, year, etc.), since

Yesterday

now

Today

nowpast

FINISHED UNFINISHE

D

Simple past cont.

Examples:

I washed my car yesterday.

Our family went on a vacation last month.

I graduated from high school last year.

Key Words: yesterday, last week, last month

Present perfect cont.

Examples:

I have lived in Korea for 4 years.

Hyun-Jin Ryu has pitched for the Dodgers since 2013.

She has studied English since middle school.

Key words: recently, since (designated period), for (duration)

Simple Past vs. Present Perfect

Compare the meaning of these two sentences:

1. Tim lived in Canada for 3 years.

2. Tim has lived in Canada for 3 years.

Which tense is used in sentence 1?

Which tense is used in sentence 2?

Simple

Past

Present

Perfect

Comparative view

Tim lived in Canada for 3 years.

Meaning: by using the simple past tense, we explain the Tim formerly lived in Canada but does not presently live there.

Remember: simple past is used when the situation is over!

Comparative view cont.

Tim has lived in Canada for 3 years.

Meaning: by using the present perfect tense, we are showing that Tim lived in Canada 3 years ago AND still lives there.

Remember: present perfect connects the past with the present!

Let’s practice!!!

I (play) soccer since middle school.

It _ _____ (snow) for two days.

He __ (lose) his key yesterday.

have played

has snowed

lost