Past Simple vs Present Perfect

Past Simple vs Present Perfect

Past simple

We use the past simple to describe completed actions in the past.

We use time expressions like:

two weeks ago, last year, yesterday, in 2010.

Examples:

The artist was born 50 years ago.

I saw the film yesterday.

He didn't visit the art gallery last week.

Did he make that painting in 2020?

Present Perfect

We use it to describe different situations:

1. actions that started in the past and continue up to the present

2. experience

3. completed actions in the past at no definite time

4. very recent events

Examples:

They haven't made a lot of sculptures since 1980.

Has he already organised an exhibition in another country?

Annie has tried different types of art expressions for years.

They've just opened a new gallery in my town.

Read and choose the correct option in the following questions.

Multiple Choice

The artist _______ a painting yesterday.

• lost

• has lost

Multiple Choice

They __________ many murals around the city.

• painted

• have painted

Multiple Choice

This band __________ a new album since 2015.

• didn't record

• hasn't recorded

Multiple Choice

She _______ that painting last year.

• bought

• has bought

Multiple Choice

That girl __________ many landscapes.

• painted

• has painted

Multiple Choice

He __________ the statue at the museum on Monday.

• has broken

• broke

Multiple Choice

Peter _____________ many galleries this year.

• have visited

• has visited

Multiple Choice

We _________ that book at school last year.

• has read

• read

• have read