The difference between the Simple Past and the Present Perfect is something that perplexes more than one ESL student. Most students simply choose to ignore the Present Perfect altogether and stick to the much more straightforward, simpler (the name says it all) Simple Past. However, knowing when and how to use each is not that hard once you follow some very basic guidelines and know all the facts.
First Things First The Definitions
We use the Simple Past to describe an action or something that took place, of course, in the past, and has been completed. On the other hand, the Present Perfect is used when there is some kind of reference to the present, either because:
a)the action started in the past and continues in the present, or
b)the action took place in the past and was completed, but we see the effects or results now, in the present.
An example of a) would be: She has lived in New York for 10 years. (This means she moved to New York a long time ago, but still lives there now, in the present.)
A clear example of b) would be: You’ve cut your hair! (She cut her hair some time ago, but we see the result of it now, in the present.
Time Expressions
There are time phrases that typically go with each, so as long as you’re sure about which go with Simple Past and which go with Present Perfect, you shouldn t have any trouble.
Expressions that must go with Simple Past:
ago (5 years ago, an hour ago), I met my best friend 15 years ago.
last week, last year, last month, etc…, I bought this car last month.
in 1971, I sold my house in 1988.
yesterday, the day before yesterday, I didn’t’ go to work yesterday.
at 9 o’clock (if it is past), I saw her at noon. (and now it is the afternoon)
In other words, whenever you mention a specific moment in the past, whether it is an hour, day, month, or year, you must use the Simple Past tense.
Expressions that usually go with Present Perfect:
since, I’ve lived here since I was born.
ever (questions), Have you ever been to Rome?
so far, I’ve spoken to three angry clients so far today.
this week, this month, this year, I haven’t called my mom this week.
today, I’ve felt sick to my stomach all day today.
already, But I have already finished my homework!
yet (questions), Have you done the dishes yet?
In all of these cases, the action or the time (this year, as opposed to last year) has not finished or is still taking place.
Be careful with the use of for. You can either say, “I lived in Miami for a few months” or “I’ve lived in Miami for a few months.” In the first example it is very clear that someone lived in Miami, but no longer lives there, whereas in the second case, they still live there.
Use Your Common Sense!
Stephen King has written many books, because he’s alive and well, and will continue writing more. William Shakespeare, however, wrote many plays, because he can write no more. His work is finished.
Now, you don’t have any more excuses to avoid the use of the Present Perfect in your ESL class. Put this information to good use and follow these guidelines. You won’t mix up these tenses anymore!
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Author Resource:
Susan Thomason has written numerous articles for LCI English Center, an ESL school in Denver, Colorado. LCI offers the best English training through experienced teachers and high quality programs. Check out more ESL articles at http://www.englishlci.com/blog
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