This document summarizes the differences between the simple past and present perfect tenses. The simple past is used to describe a single completed action at a specific time in the past, while the present perfect describes an action that began in the past but continues into the present or has relevance in the present. Examples are provided to illustrate using the simple past to talk about actions that occurred and finished at a definite time in the past, and using the present perfect to talk about actions that started in the past and continue or are still relevant now. The formation of the present perfect tense using have/has and the past participle is also explained.

1. Presentperfect
withfor andsince

2. Simple past
I lived
You lived
He/she/it lived
We lived
You lived
They lived
Present perfect
I have lived
You have lived
He/she/it has lived
We havelived
Youhave lived
They havelived

3. The past form describes a single, completed action at a
particular time in the past.
Yuki lived in Tokyo for ten years. (she doesn’t live there now.)
I met my friend Jack six years ago. (My sister introduced us. )
Roger arrived at 11:00. (He appeared at the office at a specific
time. )

4. The present perfect can describe an action that began in the
past but continues into the present.
Yuki has lived in San Francisco for three months. (she left Tokyo three
months ago. She came to San Francisco to live, and she lives there now.)
I have known my friend Jack for six years. (I met him in the past, and I
continue to know him and have him as a friend. )
Roger has been here for two hours. (He arrived at the office at 11:00. It is
now 1:00, and he is still here. )

5. The present perfect is formed with have/has +the
past participle of the verb.
I’ve had my cat Bob for four years.
She’s had her bird for a few months.
(Note: ‘s= has, not “is”)

6. Use how long to ask about time in a question. Use
for and since to talk about time.
How long have you studied English?
I’ve studiedEnglish for five years. (I continue to study En.)
How long has Hank played basketball?
He’s played basketball since October. (he still plays basketball.)

7. Use for to refer to duration of time.
For thirtyyears.
For twominutes.
For three days.
For twoweeks.
For a month.
For ten years.
For millions of years.
For a long time.
For manyyears.
Use since to refer to a particular time.
Since 4:00.
Since this morning.
Since lunch.
Since Monday.
Since August.
Since 2006.
Since I was a child.