This document summarizes the differences between the past simple and present perfect tenses in English. It provides examples of how to form the past simple with regular and irregular verbs, and when it is used to describe actions that occurred at a definite time in the past or actions that happened immediately after one another. It also explains how the present perfect is formed and when it is used, such as for actions that happened at an unstated time in the past or recently completed actions. Finally, it lists common time expressions used with each tense.

2. Past simple and Present perfect

3. Present simple - form
• regular verbs: infinitive + ed
Example: I worked
• irregular verbs: see 2nd column of irregular
verbs
Example: I spoke

6. When do we use past simple?
• For an action that occured at a definite time
in the past
(The postman delivered the parcel at 8 o´clock
this morning.)

7. • For actions that happened immediately after
one another in the past
(She opened the curtains and looked out of
the window.)
• For habits or states which are now finished
(Mr Jones worked in a factory when he was
younger.)

8. The time expressions we use with the
present simple
• yesterday
• then
• when
• How long ago...?
• last night/week/month/year/Friday/October
• three days/weeks ago
• in 1999

9. Present perfect - form
• regular verbs: form of 'have' + infinitive + ed
Example: I / you / we / they have worked
he / she / it has worked
• irregular verbs: form of 'have' + 3rd column of
irregular verbs
Example: I / you / we / they have spoken
he / she / it has spoken

12. When do we use Present perfect?
• An action that happened at an unstated time
in the past. Time – unimportant or unknown
(Mary has been to Italy twice.)
• A recently completed action
(I have finished my geography essay.)

13. • An action which started in the past and
continues up to the present (with stative
verbs be, have, like, know...)
(I have known him for six years.)
• Personal experiences or changes
(She has dyed her hair.)
Stative verbs - express a state rather than an action. They
usually relate to thoughts, emotions, relationships,
senses, states of being and measurements. These verbs
are not normally used with continuous tenses

15. The time expressions we use with the
Present perfect
• For
• Since
• Already
• Always
• Just
• Ever
• Never
• So far
• Today
• This week/month
• How long
• Lately
• Recently
• Still (in negations)

16. Past simple vs. Present perfect

18. Thank you for your
attention 