present perfect vs. past simple
DESCRIPTION
contrast between present perfect for general experiences and past simple for specific moments in the pastTRANSCRIPT
PRESENT PERFECT
PAST SIMPLE
Mónica Redondo Arias
EXAMPLES
Have you ever been to a fancy dress party?
She’s seen that film twice.
I’ve never met Nina’s husband.
WHEN DO WE USE THE PRESENT PERFECT
Past experience in our life when we don’t specify WHEN.
He’s read that book before.
EVER
EVER
EVER = IN YOUR LIFE
•Have you ever been to a fancy dress party?
No, I haven’t.
PRESENT PERFECT OR
PAST SIMPLE?
• Have you ever been to Mexico?• Yes, I have.
• When did you go?• I went last year.
PRESENT PERFECT OR
PAST SIMPLE?
• Have you met his new girlfriend?• Yes, I have.• What did you think of her?• I didn’t like her.
PRESENT PERFECT PAST SIMPLE
1. We normally start with a general question in present perfect.
2. Then we change to past simple for more specific details (when, what, where, why…)
PRESENT PERFECT OR
PAST SIMPLE?
Yes, I have2 When did you go?3 I went last summer.4 Who did you go with? 5 I went with my son6 Where did you stay?
I stayed in a fancy hotel.
1. Have you been to China?
BEEN GONE
Mike has been to Paris. Is Mike in Paris or Spain? (He went and came back to Spain)
Mike has gone to Paris. Is Mike in Paris or Spain? (He is in Paris now)