What Are The Differences Between The Past Simple And The Present Perfect?
It is really important to know what are the differences between the past simple tense and the present perfect tense because they are both often confused. Furthermore, they are both used in relation to actions and events connected to the past. In this article we aim to highlight the key differences, so you will be able to use both the past simple and the present perfect tense without any difficulties.
Past Simple Tense
Subject + past form of the verb
The action or event started and finished in the past at a specified time and we use a past time expression. We can use past days, dates, times and occasions. For example: yesterday, last week, last month at 1.30, on 11 January, 2 weeks ago, at Christmas, in 1999. For more information about time expressions you should check out this article, where we discus time expressions for both the past simple tense and the present perfect tense.
Example: I worked at the supermarket in the village on Christmas day in 1999.
The action/event started and finished in the past on Christmas day in 1999.
There was no continuation or connection to the present.
If you are interested in learning more about the past tenses you should check out: Ultimate Explanation: What Are The Past Tenses?
Present Perfect Tense
Subject + has/have + past participle
Links a present situation with something like an action or event that happened, started or took place at an unspecified time in the past.
Example: John has emailed the clients.
The present situation is that the clients have the email with the information. The past action is that John emailed the clients.
However, we do not know when John emailed the clients.
For
‘For’ can be used in the past simple tense and in the present perfect tense. We use ‘for’ to talk about duration.
For example: for 5 minutes, for 5 years, for 5 decades
Past simple: Dan worked at BT for 5 years from 1990 to 1995.
To explain, Dan worked at BT for 5 years, his work started in 1990 and finished in 1995.
Present perfect: Dan has worked at BT for 5 years.
Dan started his work at BT in 2017 and is still there now.
Since
Since is used in the present perfect tense to talk about a specific time. It could be used to reference when the action or event started.
For example: since yesterday, since last week, since Monday, since Easter…
Example: Learn English Mate has taught English since 2014.
Example: I have not seen you since our holiday together,
A. Dan has worked at BT since 2017.
B. Dan has worked at BT for 5 years.
Generally speaking, both ‘A’ and ‘B’ have the same meaning. Although, A is highlighting the start year and B is highlighting the duration (years of service).
Yet & Already
‘Yet’ is used to highlight that a task is expected to have been completed.
Q. Have you done your English homework yet?
A. Yes, I have and I have already done my science homework.
We use ‘already’ to highlight that an action was completed earlier than expected or ahead of schedule.
Just
We use just to outline that an action or event happened very recently (not long ago). For example, You have just read ‘for example’ before reading this.
Another example, I have just made a coffee so it is still hot.
When & What time Questions
For questions using the question words and phrases: ‘when’ and ‘what time’ you should use the past simple in both the question and the answer.
Q. When did you see Tom? ✔ (When have you seen Tom? x)
A. I saw Tom on Tuesday. ✔ (I have seen Tom Yesterday. x)
Q. What time did you fly to Sweden? ✔ (What time have you flown to Sweden? x)
How long have… Questions
Questions with how long have, use the present perfect.
Q. How long have you lived in Paris?
A. I have lived in Paris for 20 years.
In this example I am asking how many days, weeks, months or years they have lived in Paris. I assume or know that they still live there.
How long ago… Questions
Questions with how long ago use the past simple.
Q. How long ago did you live in Paris?
A. I lived in Paris 20 years ago.
I assume or know that they do not live in Paris anymore but I would like to know how many years have passed since they left
How long did… Questions
Questions with how long ago use the past simple.
A. How long did you live in Paris?
B. I lived in Paris for 20 years.
I know that they are not in Paris anymore but I would like to know how many years they lived in Paris.
Present Perfect Question & Past Simple Answer
We can open a topic with a general question using the present perfect.
For example: Q. Have you been to Mexico?
A. Yes I have, I went to Mexico last year.
We can use the past simple to give a specific and detailed answer to a question which uses the present perfect tense.
Have a Practice!
Choose present perfect tense or past simple tense
Val watched the movie on Saturday last week.
1. Val watched (subject + past form of the verb = past simple)
2. Saturday last week (past time expression)
1. Val watched (subject + past form of the verb = past simple)
2. Saturday last week (past time expression)
Tony has watched the movie.
1. Tony has watched (subject + has/have + past participle = present perfect)
2. There is no time expression (we do not know when it happened)
1. Tony has watched (subject + has/have + past participle = present perfect)
2. There is no time expression (we do not know when it happened)
Grant has worked at the supermarket for 5 years.
1. Grant has worked (subject + has/have + past participle = present perfect)
2. There is no specific time expression but the duration is mentioned.
1. Grant has worked (subject + has/have + past participle = present perfect)
2. There is no specific time expression but the duration is mentioned.
Grant worked at the supermarket 5 years ago.
1. Grant worked (subject + past form of the verb = past simple)
2. There a specific time expression (5 years ago)
1. Grant worked (subject + past form of the verb = past simple)
2. There a specific time expression (5 years ago)
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