Present perfect and simple past

Basic rules

simple past

The simple simple past is used if something happend in the past and ended.

present perfect

The present perfect is used if something happend in the past and continues until now.

Deeper explanations

simple past building

• Simple past is build of a regular infinitiv verb with -ed.

For example: Daniel never liked math.
             Steffen played football last week.

• Simple past with irregular verbs is builded with the secound line.

For example: Ayla never went to the shopping center.
             Rania put a glass on the table.

present perfect building

• Present perfect is build of has/had with the infinitiv form of a verb and -ed or with the third line.

For example: Carl has not learned since yesterday. 
             Elena has written a diary entry since last year. 

The exercise

1.He (kick) the ball yesterday. 2.She (not finish) washing the car yet. 3.He (not eat) any bread. 4.He (play) football one hour ago. 5.Since yesterday Ayla (have) a headache. 6.Daniel (sleep) the whole day. 7.The dog (catch) the ball. 8.Lara (not watch) TV since last week. 9.Benjamin ( not go) to the shopping center for a year. 10.Elena (buy) a present for her mother's birthday. 11.Tom (have run) away from a bear since two days. 12.Nicolas (forget) his glasses at home. Answer key Simple past vs Present perfect

Signal words

simple past

• yesterday
• last monday/year/week/...
• one hour ago
• in 2000

present perfect

• since
• for