One of the most common challenges for intermediate English learners is knowing when to use the present perfect and when to use the past simple. In this lesson, we’ll break it down with explanations, examples, and exercises to help you master this grammar point!
When Do We Use the Present Perfect?
The present perfect is used when there is a connection between the past and the present. This means:
✅ The action happened in the past but still has an effect on the present.
✅ The exact time of the action is not important.
Structure:
have/has + past participle
Examples:
I have lost my keys! (I don’t have them now.)
She has lived in London for five years. (She still lives there.)
We have never tried sushi before. (At any time in our lives.)
We often use words like ever, never, just, already, yet, for, since with the present perfect.
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When Do We Use the Past Simple?
The past simple is used for:
✅ Completed actions in the past.
✅ Actions with a specific time (yesterday, last year, in 2010, etc.).
Structure:
verb + -ed (for regular verbs) or irregular past form
Examples:
I lost my keys yesterday. (Specific time: yesterday.)
She lived in London in 2015. (She doesn’t live there now.)
We tried sushi last night. (Completed action in the past.)
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Present Perfect vs. Past Simple – Compare!
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Practice Time!
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Answer
1. I (have been / was) to Italy three times.
2. She (has finished / finished) her homework an hour ago.
3. They (have never seen / never saw) a dolphin before.
4. We (moved / have moved) to this city in 2020.
5. He (has just called / just called) you.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Gaps with the Correct Verb Form
1. I ______ (never / try) Indian food before.
2. She ______ (live) in Spain for five years, but now she is in the UK.
3. They ______ (go) to the cinema last night.
4. My parents ______ (be) married since 1990.
5. He ______ (lose) his wallet, so he can’t pay for dinner.
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Final Tip to Remember
Use the past simple if you know exactly when something happened.
Use the present perfect if the time is not important or if the action still affects the present.
Keep practicing, and soon, this grammar rule will feel natural! Share your answers in the comments, and let’s learn together.
Happy learning!
Answer key
Answers for Exercise 1
1. I have been to Italy three times.
2. She finished her homework an hour ago.
3. They have never seen a dolphin before.
4. We moved to this city in 2020.
5. He has just called you.
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Answers for Exercise 2
1. I have never tried Indian food before.
2. She lived in Spain for five years, but now she is in the UK.
3. They went to the cinema last night.
4. My parents have been married since 1990.
5. He has lost his wallet, so he can’t pay for dinner.
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