Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Formation – Past SimpleSecond form of the verb I watched TV last night. I saw the film yesterday.

Auxiliary verb – DID I didn’t watch TV last night. Did you see the film yestrday?

Formation – Present Perfecthave / has + 3rd form of the verb (past participle) I have seen this film. I haven’t seen this film Have you seen this film?

Careful! I have had a headache for three days.

Usage – Present Perfect

Present PerfectHe has lost his key.

He has lost it recently. The result is: he doesn’t have it now This is altogether new information There is connection to now: He needs the key now and

doesn’t have it now (although he lost it at some point in the past)

I’ve cut my finger!The road is closed. There has been an accident.

Connection to now Where’s your key? I don’t know.

I’ve lost it. (I lost it in the past. I don’t have it now)

He told me his name, but I’ve forgotten it. (I can’t remember it now)

Is Sally here? No she’s gone out. (She’s out now)

I can’t find my bag. Have you seen it? (Do you know where it is now?)

gone to vs been to

Note the difference between gone to and been to

Jim is on holiday. He has gone to Italy. (= he is there now or on his way there)

Jane is back home now. She’s been to Italy (= she has come back)

Your turn!

Words that go with present perfect for / since already yet always just ever / never so far today this week / month,

etc

How long lately recently still etc.

Have you ever?

Have you ever been abroad? Yes, I have. Where have you been? I have been in China. When did you go there? I was in China two years ago. What did you like the most about China? I liked the Chinese people. They are nice.

Talk about periods of time that are not finished

I’ve drunk four cups of coffee today. Have you had a holiday this year? I haven’t seen Tom this morning. Have

you? Rob hasn’t studied very hard this term.

It’s the first time something has happened

It’s the first time Don has driven a car.He has never driven a car before.

How long have you been…?

They have been married for 20 years.

(something started in the past and still continues)

for and sinceFor – a period of time

for two monthsfor a year

Since – start of a period of timesince 2009since I got up

Sally has worked there for 6 months.Sally worked there for 6 months.

when vs how long

When did it start raining?It started raining an hour ago.How long has it been raining?It has been raining for an hour.

When did they first meet?They met when they were at school.How long have they known each other?They have known each other since they were in school.

It’s… since…

It’s two years since I last saw Joe. (= I haven’t seen Joe for two years)

How long is it since you last saw Joe?(=When did you last see Joe?)