Past simple vs.

Present perfect.
PAST SIMPLE:
• Form:
Affirmative: Subject + verb –d/-ed or irregular (list) +
……
Negative: Subject + didn’t + verb (base form) +…..

Questions: Did + subject + verb (base form) + ….?

 FUNCTION:
1) We use the past simple to talk about completed actions in the
past:
We ate out yesterday.

2) In a story, we use the past simple to talk about past events in

chronological order:
When she opened the door, she pretended that we
weren’t there and she went to her room.

3) We also use the past simple to talk about past habits or past
states.
We often went to the bar for a drink before dinner.
He really liked sport, and was very fit.
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE:
• Form:
Affirmative: Subject + have/ has + past participle of the verb *3rd
column* (or –d/-ed) + …..
Negative: Subject + haven’t/ hasn’t + past participle of the verb
(or –d/-ed) + …..
Questions: Have/ has + subject + past participle of the verb + ……
 FUNCTION
• An action or situation that started in the past and continues in the
present.
I have lived in Bristol since 1984 (= and I still do.)
• An action performed during a period that has not yet finished.
She has been to the cinema twice this week (= and the week isn't over yet.)
• A repeated action in an unspecified period between the past and now.
We have visited Portugal several times.
• An action that was completed in the very recent past, expressed by 'just'.
I have just finished my work.
• An action when the time is not important.
He has read 'War and Peace'. (= the result of his reading is important)