Grammar Bite - B1 - Present perfect vs simple past

PRESENT PERFECT VS. SIMPLE PAST

Open Ended

Surf the internet for a picture showing any aspect of Colombia such as landscapes, cultural events, or historical sites. Then write a short paragraph describing what you see and why it represents Colombia to you.

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Multiple Choice

What is one reason why Colombia has gained fame in recent years?

• Its historical landmarks

• Its delicious cuisine

• Its vibrant culture

• Its extreme weather conditions

Multiple Choice

Before Spanish explorers arrived in Colombia, which indigenous groups inhabited the region?

• Aztecs and Incas

• Muisca and Quimbaya

• Mayans and Toltecs

• Mapuche and Guarani

Multiple Choice

How has Medellín transformed in recent years?

• It has become a hub of conflict

• It is now known as the City of Eternal Winter

• It has improved its public transport system

• It is no longer a tourist destination

Multiple Choice

Colombia is a destination that only attracts local tourists.

• False

• True

Multiple Choice

Colombia will soon become the most famous country in South America.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The Spanish conquest resulted in a diverse cultural landscape in Colombia.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Colombia has not made any progress in its economic and social spheres.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The government has put in a lot of effort to enhance security and promote peace in Colombia.

• True

• False

Present perfect vs Simple present

​Present perfect vs simple past

Present perfect vs simple past

The present perfect (something has happened) is a present tense. lt always tells us about the situation now. 'Tom has lost his key' = he doesn't have his key now.

The past simple (something happened) tells us only about the past. If somebody says 'Tom lost his key', this doesn't tell us whether he has the key now or not. lt tells us only that he lost his key at some time in the past.

Do not use the present perfect if the situation now is different. Compare:

• They've gone away. They'll be back on Friday. (they are away now)
  They went away, but I think they're back at home now. (not They've gone)

• It has stopped raining now, so we don't need the umbrella. (it isn't raining now)
  It stopped raining for a while, but now it's raining again. (not It has stopped)

Present perfect vs simple past

​You can use the present perfect for new or recent happenings:

• ‘I've repaired the washing machine. It's working OK now.’  ‘Oh, that's good.’

• ‘Sally has had a baby! It's a boy.’  ‘That's great news.’

Usually, you can also use the past simple:

• I repaired the washing machine. It's working OK now.

Use the past simple (not the present perfect) for things that are not recent or new:

• Mozart was a composer. He wrote more than 600 pieces of music. (not has been ... has written)

• My mother grew up in Italy. (not has grown)

Compare:

• Did you know that somebody has invented a new type of washing machine?

• Who invented the telephone? (not has invented)

Present perfect vs simple past

We use the present perfect to give new information. But if we continue to talk about it, we normally use the past simple:

A : Ow! I've burnt myself.

B: How did you do that? (not have you done)

A: I picked up a hot dish. (not have picked)

A: Look! Somebody has spilt something on the sofa.

B: Well, it wasn't me. I didn't do it. (not hasn't been ... haven't done)

Present perfect vs simple past

Present perfect vs simple past

Labelling

Can You Fill in the Blanks?

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

have been

has grown

was

has changed

lived

had

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