UNIT 3

PRESENT PERFECTPRESENT PERFECT VS. PAST SIMPLE

PRESENT PERFECT

• USE: – To talk about an action which started in

the past and has a connection with the present.

e.g. Jim is on holiday. He’s gone to Italy. ‘Have uou ever been to China?’

‘Yes, I’ve been to China twice.’– To give new information or to announce

a recent hapening.e.g. ‘Would you like something to eat?’

‘No, thanks. I’ve just had lunch.’

• Structure:HAS/HAD + Past Participle (3rd column)• You can use present perfect with:Just: The referee has just given a penalty to

Chelsea.Already: I don’t want any coffee, thanks. I’ve

already had one.Yet (only in interrogative and negative): The

concert hasn’t started yet.The first time,etc.:This is the first time I have

been in London. Ever: Have you ever been abroad on holiday?

FOR/SINCE

• We use for when we say the period of time.

Example: I haven’t seen Tom for three days.

for

two hours a week

20 minutes 50 years

five days a long time

six months ages

• We use since when we say the start of a period.

• Example: I haven’t seen Tom since Monday.

since

8 o’clock 1977

Monday Christmas

12th May lunchtime

April they were at school

PRESENT PERFECT VS. PAST SIMPLE

Present Perfect Past Simple

• It has rained this week.

There is a connection with the present.

• It didn’t rain last week.

The action is finished in the past, no connection with the present.