This document compares and contrasts the past simple and present perfect tenses. It discusses three key differences: 1) The past simple is used for completed actions at a specific time, while the present perfect can be used for indefinite times; 2) The past simple has no connection to the present, but the present perfect connects past and present; 3) The past simple is used when there is no present effect, but the present perfect is used when the past action has an effect in the present. Examples are provided to illustrate the differences between the tenses.

1. Present Perfect
vs
Past Simple
By:
Payam Mokhtari

2. Introduction
 We use the ‘Past Simple’ tense when we want to talk about a completed
action in a specific time in the past.
 Example: I went shopping yesterday.
Past Future
Present
Completed action

3.  The purpose of the ‘Present Perfect’ tense is to provide a
relation/connection between past and present.
 We use the ‘Present Perfect’ tense when we want to talk about a
completed action in the past with an effect on the present.
 Example: I’ve eaten lunch.
 Note: the time in the ‘Present Perfect’ tense is indefinite.
Past Future
Present
Completed Action Present Effect

4.  According to the given time axes in the previous sections, differences
between the ‘Past simple’ and the ‘Present Perfect’ tenses, can be
distinguished.
 For a better understanding of the differences and similarities between these
two tenses, the time axes are divided into three parts:
 1- Completed action in the past.
 2- Relation/connection between the past and the present.
 3- Present effects.
1 2 3 1 32
Past Simple Present Perfect

5. 1- Completed action in the past
 According to the time axes, both tenses refer to a completed action in the
past. Therefore, in this case, there is no difference between the ‘Past
Simple’ and the ‘Present Perfect’ tenses.
 Example:
Sue baked a cake yesterday evening.
Sue has baked a cake.
1
Past Simple
1
Present Perfect

6. Note
 Notice the fact that although the ‘Present Perfect’ tense can be used in
order to talk about a completed action in the past, but since it involves a
period of time between the past and the present, it shouldn’t be used with
a definite time.
Completed Action Present Effect
It spreads over a period of time and it’s
impossible to define an exact time for it.

7. 2- Relation/Connection between the
past and the present.
 Sometimes, the thing that matters is the relation between a past event and
the present time.
 According to the time axes, the ‘Past Simple’ tense is used when there is no
relation/connection between the past and the present. On the other hand,
the ‘Present Perfect’ tense is used when there is a relation between the
past and the present.
2 2
Past Simple Present Perfect
There is a relation
between the past
and the present

8. Compare
 She wrote five novels.
This author wrote five novels during her life, but since the sentence is used in
the ‘Past Simple’ tense, we realize that she has got no connections with the
present time, which states the fact that she’s dead!
Past Simple
She was born She died
1 2 3 4 5

9. Compare
 She has written five novels.
 This author wrote five books during her life, but since the sentence is used in
the ‘Present Perfect’ tense, we realize that she still has got a connection
with the present time, which states the fact that she is alive!
Present Perfect
She was born
1 2 3 4 5
She’s still living

10. Example
 Albert Einstein won the noble prize in 1921.
Since Albert Einstein is dead, he has got no connection with the present time.
So the ‘Past Simple’ tense is used.
 Peter Higz has won the noble prize.
Unlike Albert Einstein, Peter Higz is alive and he has got a connection with the
present time. So, the ‘Present Perfect’ tense is used.

11. 3- Present Effects
 Depending on the fact that the completed action in the past has or hasn’t
got a present effect, either of the tenses are used.
 According to the usage of the ‘Present Perfect’ tense and its time axis, in
the case of a present effect, this tense is used, otherwise, the ‘Past Simple’
tense is used when there is no present effect or the effect of the action has
disappeared due to the passing of time.
3 3
Past Simple Present Perfect
Completed
action
The effects
appeared
The effects
disappeared
Completed
action
The effects
appeared There are effects
on the present

12. Compare
 I cut my finger with that knife a month ago.
Last month I cut my finger but there are no effects caused by this action on
the present time or the effects have disappeared (the finger healed due to
the passing of time).
 I’ve cut my finger with that knife.
Some time in the past, I cut my finger, but there are some effects in the
present, such as a scar, bleeding, pain, etc.

13. THE END …