The document summarizes the difference between using the simple past and present perfect tenses in English. The simple past is used for actions completely in the past, while the present perfect connects the past to the present by describing actions that began in the past but continue to the present or may happen again. Examples are provided to illustrate when to use each, including the sentences "Sara lived in Boston for 5 years" to indicate she no longer lives there, versus "Sara has lived in Boston for 5 years" to mean she still lives there currently. Time words that typically accompany each tense are also outlined.

1. Simple Past
vs. Present
Perfect
When do we use each
tense in English?

2. Use the simple Use the present
past for action perfect for
that happened action that
in the past and started in the
is: past, but . . .
over, done, is still true
finished! to the present.

3.  The simple past always refers to an
action or situation that is finished.
 The present perfect connects the
past and the present. It is used to show
that an action or situation in the past
-continues today, OR
-might happen again

4. Compare the meaning of these two
sentences:
1. Sara lived in Boston for 5 years.
2. Sara has lived in Boston for 5
years.

5. Sara lived in Boston for 5 years.
Meaning: by using the simple past
tense, we mean that Sara started
living in Boston 5 years ago . . .
AND . . . then she moved!
Now she lives in a different city,
like Paris.
Remember, the simple past is used
for a situation that is over,
finished, done!

6. Sara has lived in Boston for 5 years.
Meaning: by using the present
perfect tense, we mean that Sara
began living in Boston 5 years ago .
. .
AND . . . she still lives there.
Remember, present perfect:
connects the past with the present.

7.  Use the simple  Use the present
past with time perfect with
words like: time words like:
• Yesterday • recently/lately
Monday • Since
• last week • so far
year week
month, etc • this month
A year ago year, etc.
• in 1990 (past date)

10. Practice!
Choose the simple past or present perfect.
1. When I was a child, I ________ (swim) a lot.
2. So far this week, we ________ (study) a lot.
3. Theo __________ (be) very sick recently.
4. I _________ (have) a terrible headache
yesterday.
5. It ________ (rain) a lot lately.
6. They _______ (get) married ten years ago.
7. I ________ (go) to Balboa Park many times.
8. My family ________ (take) a vacation last year.
9. Today ____________(be) a hard day.
10. He _____________ (drive) since 9H00.