This document discusses the differences between using the simple past and present perfect tenses in English. It provides examples of when to use each tense and explanations of their meanings. The simple past refers to completed actions at a definite time in the past, while the present perfect can refer to ongoing or repeated actions that began in the past and may still be relevant to the present. It also covers the grammatical forms of each tense and includes exercises for learners to practice changing between the simple past and present perfect.

1. Lunch & Learn
Simple present or present
perfect

2.  When do we use simple past?
 When do we use present perfect?
Question

3.  I saw my brother.
 I have seen my brother.
What’s the difference?

4.  I saw my brother.
What’s the difference?
This sentence is in the simple past. It
refers to an action that began and
ended in the past. The exact time
when you saw your brother is known.

5.  I saw my brother.
What’s the difference?
The time may not be noted, but it is
implied.

6.  I saw my brother last week.
 I saw my brother 2 days ago.
Common time expressions

7. Now let’s discuss
present perfect

8. This tense can be used to refer to an
action that began in the past, but the
action may not be finished.
Present perfect: use 1

9. 1. I have worked here for 3 days.
2. I have known her since I was a
child.
Examples

10. 1. I have worked here for 3 days.
2. I have known her since I was a
child.
Examples
Note: Remember that we use for when referring to an amount of
time and since when referring to an actual date or time.
https://livelearn.ca/lessons/language-training/for-or-since/

11. The present perfect may also be used
to refer to a past action that
happened several times in the past.
Present perfect: use 2

12. 1. I have visited Mexico 3 times.
Examples
2. They have read that book several
times.
3. Tom and Harry have run a few times
this week.

13. I have visited Mexico 3 times
since 2010.
Note: If we say when the action happened, we must use the
simple past
I visited Mexico 3 times in
2010.

14. Note: If we say when the action happened, we must use the
simple past
They have read that book
several times.
They read that book several
times last year.

15. Note: If we say when the action happened, we must use the
simple past
Tom and Harry have run a
few times.
Tom and Harry ran a few
times last week.

16. The present perfect can be used to
refer to an action that occurred over a
long time.
Present perfect: use 3

17. 1. Your child has grown so much!
Examples
2. Tom’s attitude has really changed.
3. Global warm has become a problem
in many areas of the world.

18. The present perfect can also be used
to refer to an action that we are still
waiting to happen.
Present perfect: use 4

19. 1. The snow has not stopped yet.
Examples
2. She has not finished her degree.
3. They have not arrived yet.

20. Subject+ verb+ compliment
Simple pas: form
1. She ran to the store.
2. They worked very hard.
3. Miguel finished his homework.

21. Subject+ form of have+ past participle+ compliment
Present perfect: form
1. They have driven to Toronto 3 times
2. Bob and Kathy have washed the dishes.
3. She has become very nice.

22. Time to practice!
Change the following from
present perfect to simple
past

23. Time to practice!
She has been to Europe 5 times!
Bob has walked 5 miles since Tuesday.
We have already made supper.
The boys have been here since 7:00 pm.
I think they have gone to the store.

24. Time to practice!
Change the simple past
sentences to present perfect

25. Time to practice!
The little girl went to school.
Rajinder jumped over the fence
She and her best friend brought you supper.
Sayed worked on your broken transmission
this morning.
The dog ran away.

26. Questions?
Yuliana
@ ybagan@myenglishonline.ca
englishonlinemb10
Blaine
@ broberts@myenglishonline.ca
blaine_myenglishonline
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27. Thank you for attending!
See you next time!
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