Present Perfect and

Past Simple
Unit 4B
Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
Present Perfect
To talk about actions and states
that started in the past and
continue in the present:
 I’ve worked here for over
three years now.
 She has been really stressed
since she started her new job.
 I’ve lived in Sofia for 5 years.
 We’ve lived here since 1980.
Past Simple
To talk about finished actions in
the past:
 I saw him yesterday.
 I met my wife when I was in
Paris last year.
 He graduated from college
last summer.
 They got home very late last
night.
Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
Present Perfect
To talk about past actions when
the time is not stated:
 I’ve eaten octopus before.
 I’ve been to the USA.
 I’ve read this book.
Past Simple
To talk about past actions when
the time is stated:
I ate octopus for lunch
yesterday.
I went to the USA last year.
I read this book two years
ago.
Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
Present Perfect
To talk about actions that
happened during a period of
time which is unfinished:
 The company has opened a
new factory this year.
 I’ve visited their offices twice
today.
 I’ve seen him several times
this week.
Past Simple
To talk about actions that
happened during a period of
time which is finished:
The company opened a new
factory in 2009.
I visited their offices twice
yesterday.
I saw him last week.
Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
Present Perfect
Time expressions which are
often used:
 Ever, never, just, recently, yet,
already, since, for.
 This week, today, this year,
during my time at school, this
semester, this season.
Past Simple
Time expressions which are
often used:
Yesterday, two years ago,
when he was a child, last year,
when I first met him, when I
was in Paris, when I was
younger.
Thank you!