2. Past Tense Simple
An idea that an action started and finished in
a specific moment in the past
eg: I played football yesterday.
Did I play football yesterday?
I did not play football yesterday.
3. Present Perfect
An action which started in the past and
continuous up till the present
eg: I have been a teacher for 5 years.
We haven't seen Jim since Friday.
How long have you been in this school?
4. Past Simple vs. Present Perfect
Certain time in the past Just / already / not yet
eg: I phoned Mary two minutes ago eg: I have just phoned Mary
Whether / how often / till
Certain event in the past now
eg: He went to Canada Last summer eg: Have you ever been to Canada?
Emphasis on action Emphasis on result
eg: I bought a new bike. (just telling eg: I have bought a new bike. (With this
what I did in the past) sentence I actually want to express
that I have a new bike now.)
