The document discusses the differences between the past simple and present perfect tenses. It explains that the past simple is used for finished actions in the past when stating when they occurred, while the present perfect is used for finished actions without a specified time, ongoing actions that began in the past and continue to the present, and past actions with present results. It also covers the uses of words like "just", "already", "yet", "for", "since", "gone" vs "been", and "ever" vs "never" with the present perfect tense.

1. Present Perfect vs.
Past Simple
What’s the difference?

2. Remember!
• Grammar has meaning!
• Different grammar tenses are used in different
situations or contexts and they carry different
meanings.

3. Use the past simple for:
• Finished actions in the past
when you say when
I went to Portsmouth last
summer.
Use the pres. perfect for:
• Finished actions in the past when
you don’t say when (on any
occasion)
I’ve been to Portsmouth.
• Actions which started in the past
but still continue now
I’ve lived in Spain for 10 years.
• Past actions that have a result in
the present
I’ve broken my arm! (I broke in the
past and I have it in plaster now)

4. Just, already, yet
Just means “a short time ago”
We’ve just come back from the weekend.
I’ve just had an idea!
Already means “sooner than expected”
I’ve already studied Units 1 and 2
She’s already spent all the money I lent her!
Yet means “something we’re expecting to happen”
It’s 11 o’clock and you haven’t finished your breakfast yet!
I haven’t finished my homework yet.
Just and already go after
the auxiliary verb;
yet goes at the end of the
sentence.

5. For and since
SINCE + POINT IN TIME
Use since to show when something
started.
I’ve worked at this job since last year.
He’s lived in Florida since March.
FOR + LENGTH OF TIME
Use for to show how long a
present condition has lasted.
I’ve worked here for one year.
He’s lived in Florida for 9
months.

6. Gone to or been to?
Claire has gone to Australia
Gone there means that she is still there
Claire has been to Australia.
Been there means that the visit is over. She’s back home
now.

7. Ever and never
We can use ever and never with the present perfect.
Ever means ‘in your whole life up to the present time’.
Never means ‘not ever’.
Have you ever played cricket? No, never.
Has Andrew ever had any fun?!
I’ve never ridden a bike in my life.
This is the worst film I’ve ever seen.