Simple Past vs Present Perfect + expressions

Simple Past vs Present Perfect + expressions

By Laura Cabrera

Simple Past or Present Perfect

We use the simple past to talk about finished actions that have no connection to the present.

I ate pizza last night.

​

We use the present perfect to talk about actions that have a connection to the present.

I have studied all day long.​

Multiple Choice

We form the Present Perfect by using...

• have / has + verb

• have / has + simple past

• have / has + past participle

Multiple Choice

We use the Simple Past to express an action that started and finished in the past.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

We use the Present Perfect to express an action that started in the past but has a connection with the present.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The auxiliary verb(s) used in the Simple Past are:

• have / hasn't

• did / have

• has / didn't

• didn't / did

Multiple Choice

The auxiliary verb(s) used in the Present Perfect are:

• have / haven't

• did / have

• has / didn't

• didn't / did

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence CORRECT or INCORRECT?

We has never been to Merida.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence CORRECT or INCORRECT?

I didn't see you in class this morning.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence CORRECT or INCORRECT?

Lucy has seen that film yesterday.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence CORRECT or INCORRECT?

My friends and I went to the museum a year ago.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence CORRECT or INCORRECT?

I have worked in this company for 15 years now.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Where ____ you been all this time?

• have

• did

• do

• has

Multiple Choice

Jack didn't ____ to the concert with us last night.

• went

• gone

• go

• goes

Multiple Choice

Have you ever ____ "escamoles"?

• eaten

• eat

• ate

• eating

Multiple Choice

____ you watch the football match last Sunday?

• Have

• Did

• Do

• Has

Multiple Choice

I ____ my keys yesterday. It was terrible!

• lost

• have lost

• am losing

• was lost

Multiple Choice

My brother ____ to Mexico three times.

• was

• has been

• were

• have been

Multiple Choice

I ____ Julie in a party in Cuernavaca three years ago.

• met

• meet

• have met

• has met

Multiple Choice

Ines ____ five countries in her holidays so far.

• visits

• visited

• have visited

• has visited

Multiple Choice

Choose the time expressions used with the Simple Past:

• for, ago, since, yesterday

• yesterday, last, ago, in, on

• last, ever, just, at

• since, for, yet, already

Multiple Choice

Choose the time expressions used with the Present Perfect:

• for, ago, since, yesterday

• yesterday, last, ago, in, on

• last, ever, just, at

• since, for, yet, already

Present Perfect Expressions

We can use many expressions with the present perfect: for​, since​, already​, yet​, just, never, ever.

​

​

Present Perfect Expressions

We use for when we say the lenght or duration of the action.

​

I have done karate for six years.

​

We use since when we say when the action started.

​

I have ​studied Japanese since 2018.

Present Perfect Expressions

We use already when the action has happened by the time we are speaking.

​

I have already finished the test.

​

We use yet when the action hasn't happened by the time we are speaking, but we expect it to happen at some point.

​

I haven't finished my homework yet.

Present Perfect Expressions

We use just when the action has finished very recently.

​

I'm full. I've just eaten breakfast. ​

Present Perfect Expressions

We use never as another way to make a negative sentence.

​

I have never seen a Fast and Furious movie.

​

​We use ever when we ask questions in the present perfect.

​

Have you ever climbed a mountain?​

Multiple Choice

I have played the piano ____ I was ten years old.

• for

• since

• already

Multiple Choice

I haven't finished reading this book ____.

• yet

• just 

• already

Multiple Choice

I've ____ watched this film, it was fantastic!

• just

• yet

• so far

Multiple Choice

I've ____ finished all my tasks for this week.

• already

• yet

• so far

Multiple Choice

I've been married ____ six years.

• ever

• since

• for

Multiple Choice

I've worked for this company ____ 2010.

• since

• for

• already

Multiple Choice

I have ____seen such a beutiful view!

• just

• never

• ever

Multiple Choice

The train’s ____ left! What are we going to do?

• ever

• yet

• already

Multiple Choice

I've had this watch ____ 1965.

• since

• for

• how long

Multiple Choice

He's been here____ May and he still can't speak a word of English.

• since

• for

• just

Multiple Choice

She's been dancing ____ a long time.

• since

• for

• never

Multiple Choice

Have you ____ seen a snake?

• ever

• never

• still

Multiple Choice

I am still working. I haven't finished my work ____.

• already

• yet

• have

Multiple Choice

Have you done your homework ____?

• already

• yet

• just

Multiple Choice

I have known my best friend ____ Elementary School.

• for

• since

• how long

Multiple Choice

Tom hasn't worn out his jeans ____.

• already

• never

• yet

Multiple Choice

Sally has ____read this book

• already

• yet

• since

Multiple Choice

I haven't met my best friend ____ Sunday.

• for

• since

• recently