When working with tenses that have a direct connection with the past tense, very often two types of tense forms cause difficulties - these are Past Simple And Present Perfect Simple.
The fact is that sometimes distinguishing these two times becomes problematic. And the reason for this is the relationship of both of these forms to the past. The only difference is that it also has a pronounced result in the present tense, while the simple past tense has no connection with the present moment. Therefore it is necessary to give clear definition What is the difference between Present Perfect and , give examples of situations using these two tenses and generally describe how they differ.
Using the Present Perfect
The present perfect tense necessary in order to show that an action committed a little earlier did not just remain in the past, but has an inextricable connection with the present, i.e. now is the result of what happened some time ago. Often in the Present Perfect time there are special hint words - these are adverbs that are used to reflect the completeness of the action to the present point. These are markers such as ever, never, already, yet, before, just, so far, etc. As a rule, the use of these clue words makes it clear that the tense in the sentence will most likely be perfect, that is, perfect:
· Most of the children here have had meats already. (Most of the children here have already had measles)
Has Eric ever told you that you are a terrible man to make deals with? (Has Eric ever told you that you are simply impossible to deal with?)
· I’m sorry, but Doctor Philips has just left for Swansea. (I'm sorry but Dr Phillips has just left for Swansea)
Note: the use of the adverb just is not always a clear indicator of the presence of the Present Perfect. If the sentence uses the construction just now (despite the identical translation, it is less common), then the rules of grammar prohibit the use of the perfect, the whole situation will be in the Past Simple. A comparison can be made:
· I have just heard a new pianist from Liverpool – I just heard a new pianist from Liverpool
· I saw you come in just now - I saw you just come in
Using the Past Simple
The simple past tense is used precisely for those cases when you need to show the fact of an action in the past and make it clear that this situation has no connection with the present, it ended somewhere earlier. Typical indicators of the Past Simple are the words yesterday, ago, last, previous, etc., as well as exact dates and years in the past:
· I met Tom at the station last Sunday - I met Tom at the station last Sunday
· Did you watch that wonderful match yesterday? – Did you watch that wonderful match yesterday?
· Last time I tried to call him a week ago, but he didn’t answer – B last time I tried to call him a week ago but he didn't answer
There is one use case where we use only the Past Simple and not the Present Perfect. This is about special issue starting with words when. Such sentences in the past tense look more logical than in the present perfect, because when asking a question with when, the speaker is asking about a time or date in the past, and such a situation cannot be reflected in the perfect:
· When did you buy this nice carpet? – When did you buy this beautiful carpet?
· When did he visit her granny last time? – When was the last time he visited his grandmother?
Present Perfect and Past Simple in one sentence
Despite the fact that the difference between Past Simple and Present Perfect is quite significant, these two tenses can appear in the same sentence. This is relevant when in a situation the speaker uses the conjunction since, which introduces the so-called starting point:
· I have loved you since I saw you walk into that classroom. (I've loved you since I saw you walk into this class)
· Twelve years have passed since he left this sad place. (Twelve years have passed since he left this sad place)
As can be seen from the examples, the differences in the use of these two tenses are that Past introduces the starting point, the moment from which the action began, and Present demonstrates the result to the present (sometimes the period during which the action lasts, starting from the starting point).
Identical markers for Present Perfect and Past Simple
The difference between Present Perfect and Past Simple is that it does not show the fact that an event occurred in the past, but speaks of the result to the present moment. But when comparing Present Perfect vs Past Simple, it is worth noting that these two tenses have the same markers that are suitable for both one and the other tense form. These are words and phrases such as today, this week, this year, etc. Answering the question of what is the difference in the use of one form or another, the same arguments can be given. Unlike the Present Perfect, the Past Simple shows the fact of an event, and the perfect shows the result. As a rule, the use of these expressions with Perfect indicates that the morning/day/week/year has not yet ended, and Past makes it clear that the situation has already happened:
· You know, I have already met him this morning - You know, I already met him this morning (the morning is not over yet and it is important for the speaker to convey the idea now)
· I met him this morning, he was upset - I met him this morning, he was upset (the morning is over, the speaker is talking about a fact in the past)
When we compare these two times, it is important to pay attention to marker words, which often help in determining specific form. It's easy to see how the Present Perfect differs from the Past Simple, especially when there are obvious clues in the sentence. And if problems arise specifically with the formation of the verb form, you can always pay attention to the table irregular verbs, where the past simple tense requires a second form (Past), and the perfect tense requires a third form (Past Participle).
There are many tenses that are “similar” to each other in the English language. Today the focus is on the comparative characteristics of a rather complex pair - Present Perfect and Past Simple for grade 5.
Complexity
English grammar is not always clear and logical for those who study this amazing language. Often difficulties arise with the use of tenses, especially those that have no analogues in native language. The Present Perfect or Present Perfect tense refers to just such. It is translated using a past tense verb. But Past Simple is also translated with a past tense verb. How not to get confused and understand what is the difference between Present Perfect and Past Simple?
A detailed explanation of the rules and a visual comparison of tenses in mini-tables will help you “feel” these tenses and use them correctly.
First difference
Let's compare two examples:
I bought a new shirt seven days ago - I bought a new shirt seven days ago.
I have never bought a good shirt in this shop - I have never bought a good shirt in this store.
In the first case, the Past Simple tense is used, since the exact period of purchase in the past is indicated - seven days ago (seven days ago). In the second - Present Perfect (Present Perfect), since the date of what happened is indicated inaccurately, it is “blurred” - never (never). Here the emphasis is shifted to the result: There are no good shirts in this store.
Second difference
Once again, the focus is on two sentences:
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He rented a new flat last year - He rented new apartment last year.
He has just rented a new comfortable flat - He just rented a new comfortable apartment.
In the first example, the verb rented is in the Past Simple, since the specified time period last year is a complete period of time in the past. In the second example, on the contrary, the adverb of time just (just) indicates that the period being described in the past is not over yet. Therefore, the Present Perfect is rightfully used here.
The main assistants when choosing a particular time are time markers. They just need to be remembered.
Third difference
The next case does not concern time frames. Logic plays a major role here:
I forgot about her birthday, but I congratulated her the next day - I forgot about her birthday, but I congratulated her the next day.
It is pity but I have forgotten about her birthday - I’m sorry, but I forgot about her birthday.
In the first example, Past Simple is used, since it we're talking about about past events that are in no way connected with the present. Since he forgot about the holiday (forgot), the situation could change and it changed - he congratulated (congratulated). In the next sentence, the event happened in the past - he forgot about the holiday (have forgotten), and it is still relevant today: he never congratulated her on the past. That's why we use the Present Perfect.
Fourth difference
When I bought this book two days ago, I came home and read it all at once - When two days ago I bought this book, I came home and read it all at once.
I have read this book twice - I read this book twice.
The Past Simple tense is used in the first sentence, because we are talking about different actions in the past that follow one after another. But Present Perfect (Real Perfect) is used to describe other moments - one action that was repeated several times.
If in front of you complex sentence with the conjunction since (since then), then the verb in the part before the conjunction will always be in the Present Perfect, and after it - in the Past Simple.
What have we learned?
Today we looked at four differences between the Present Perfect and Past Simple tenses. After detailed description Each case is followed by a small summary in tabular form. It helps to “systematize” the information received.
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Present Perfect and Past Perfect belong to the group of perfect tenses (perfect tenses) of the English language. They express the perfection of action, but one refers to the present time, the other to the past. In this article we will look at the simple one, since people learning English often confuse Past Simple and
Features of the perception of perfect tense
Can be compared with the Russian perfect form (wrote, learned, came, did). Russian speakers can understand it from this point of view. Americans and British perceive the concept of time differently.
According to the norms of standard Russian grammar, an action in the present tense cannot end, because it is present. If the event is completed (finished), then the time is obviously past.
The essence of the English perfect tense
The English language has its own opinion: according to its norms, an action in the present tense can be completed, and this tense is the present perfect. Thus, in Russian the perfect form is only in the past, unlike in English. The perfect tense emphasizes that an action or event occurred and had an impact on currently time. Present Perfect and Past Perfect are essentially twins, only one refers to the past, while the other speaks of the present moment.
Present Perfect: usage and examples
Let's look at the formula for forming the Present Perfect.
Subject + Auxiliary for the third person) + main verb in the third form.
When should this time be used? The Present Perfect is used when it is necessary to express the result of an action that has been performed. With the help of the Present Perfect, there is an emphasis on the result of the perfect situation. Thus, you can understand that the action has been completed. An equivalent for understanding this tense can be the Russian verbs: do and do.
- We have already sent you a letter. - Mu has already sent you a letter.
- He has won a lottery. - He has already won the lottery.
Please note that this tense is usually translated into Russian in the past tense. All these actions influence the present with their final result, that is, there is a direct connection with the present moment.
The second case of using the present perfect is to describe one’s past life experiences:
- I have lived here for 15 years. - I lived here for fifteen years.
- He has eaten in the restaurant Red Dragon three times. - He ate at the Red Dragon restaurant three times.
This tense is often used when talking about the number of actions performed. The perfect is also used when an action occurred in a period of time that has not yet ended. Indicators of an unfinished period are time markers: today - today, this morning - this morning, this year, month, etc.
There is already some result, but the time period has not yet ended (this week or year). Thus, it is possible to perform the action or repeat it again during this period.
Past Perfect: the essence of time
Now let's talk about the Past Perfect. It is always interconnected with another action in the past. Past Perfect expresses an action that happened before another or a specific period in the past.
Present Perfect and Past Perfect, as stated above, are both perfect forms, but the latter refers to the past tense. The second action, which happened later, is most often used in the Past Simple; markers can also be used. These are the words:
- by - (to any period);
- after - (after);
- before - (before);
- when - (when);
- earlier - (earlier);
- first - (first).
Present Perfect and Past Perfect often have the same indicators, but they differ in tense meaning. Past Perfect almost always comes as an additional one. It always depends on the underlying simple past tense.
- You arrived at the airport at 8.20, however the plane had left. - We arrived at the station at 7:30, but the train had already left.
By the way, common factors Present and Past Perfect - time markers:
- just - (just now);
- already - (already);
- yet - (already, not yet).
We can say that these are the main indicators of perfect tenses.
Present Perfect vs Past Simple
The most common difficulty among English language learners is choosing between Past Simple and Present Perfect. The problem is caused by the fact that they are translated into Russian in the same way, but they carry different semantic loads. The main thing is to understand what needs to be expressed and where to emphasize it.
The main differences between Present Perfect and Past:
1. In Present Perfect (present perfect tense) an action committed in the past has a direct connection with the present period.
2. Past Simple talks about a moment that ended a long time ago and has no connection with the real present. That is, something that remains forever in the past.
Let's compare two sentences:
- He always loved swimming. - He always loved to swim.
This sentence implies that the person will never be able to swim again, perhaps he has died.
- He always loved swimming.
The translation here is the same. It just means that he still loved and still loves swimming to this day.
Russian-speaking students have a difference between tenses Present Perfect And Past Simple raises the most questions and doubts. In Russian language sentences "I've already finished work" And “I finished work 2 hours ago” this is the same past tense, however in English it is two ideologically different times.
There is good news! If you are not going to live in England or take one of the international English exams, then you can safely use Past Simple in all cases, as Americans do in spoken English. In British English, and in exams such as IELTS, FCE, CAE and others, rules for using tenses Present Perfect And Past Simple very strict and strictly regulated. Continuation of the article for those who want to get to the bottom of the truth...
The key to understanding the differences between times Present Perfect And Past Simple in their name. Present Perfect: present translated into Russian as " the present“, therefore, this time is connected with the present, that is, an action that happened in the past still affects the present. Past Simple: past in Russian it is " past“, means that the action happened in the past and remained there and no longer affects the present. Main principle: Present Perfect- there is a connection with the present, Past Simple– there is no connection with the present.
In order to understand what time should be used in each specific case, you need to answer the following questions:
1. Is it known when the action took place?
Yes – Past Simple: I bought this hat yesterday– I bought this hat yesterday
No – Present Perfect:I have bought this hat recently– I bought this hat recently
2. What is important, the exact time when the action occurred, or the number of times?
Time of action – Past Simple: I was in Paris last year– I was in Paris last year.
Number of times – Present Perfect:I have been to Paris twice in my life– I have been to Paris 2 times in my life.
3. What is more important, the action or its result?
Action – Past Simple:I started learning Chinese– I started learning Chinese (you don’t even have to specify when exactly, because I’m just telling you what I did in the past)
Result – Present Perfect:I have started learning Chinese– I started learning Chinese (in this sentence I want to emphasize that I now know another foreign language)
4. Has the action started in the past already finished?
Yes – Past Simple: We were friends for seven years– We were friends for seven years (but then something happened and we stopped being friends)
No – Present Perfect: We have been friends for seven years– We have been friends for 7 years (we started being friends 7 years ago and are still friends)
5. Is the result of the completed action visible in the present?
No – Past Simple: I won a large amount of money two years ago, but I spent everything in six months– I won a large sum of money two years ago, but I spent it all in six months. (that is, I had money in the past, but I don’t have it anymore)
Yes – Present perfect: I have won in a lottery! I'm not poor anymore!– I won the lottery! I'm not poor anymore! (literally I have my winnings in my hands)
6. Has the time period in which the action took place ended?
Yes (last week/month/year, yesterday, three months/weeks/days/years ago etc.) – Past Simple: She visited her friends yesterday– She visited her friends yesterday.
No (this week/month/year, today, etc.) – Present Perfect:I have sent five e-mails this morning– I sent five emails this morning (this morning is not over yet)
7. Is the action over?
Yes – Past Simple: I learned Chinese two years ago– I learned Chinese two years ago (I already know it)
No – Present Perfect:I have learned Chinese for two years– I’ve been studying Chinese for two years (but haven’t mastered it completely yet)
8. Is the person in question alive?
No – Past Simple: My great-grandmother went to London twice– My great-grandmother was in London twice (she has already died)
Yes – Present Perfect: My friend has been to London three times– My friend has been to London three times (he is still alive)
9. What interrogative word begins the question, “When...?” or “How long...?”
“When...?” – Past Simple: “When did you start learning English?” “I started learning English five years ago”- “When did you start learning English?” “I started learning English five years ago”
“How long...?” – Present Perfect:“How long have you learned English?” “I have learned English for five years"– How long have you been studying English? I've been studying English for five years.
IMPORTANT! The latest news is presented in the Present Perfect, and details are presented in the Past Simple. The same rule applies when talking about news and life events.
Famous actress has confirmed the divorce with a famous singer(news submitted to Present Perfect). She packed her bag and left their house in Los Angeles (details supplied in Past Simple).
I once have gone to Spain(life event is presented in Present Perfect). There I had time of my life. We visited many towns and villages. And we especially enjoyed the architecture of Barcelona(details in Past Simple)
Words - markers:
Past simple:
- yesterday
- last week/month/year/century
- In (2013)
- when
- then
- 3 hours/minutes/days/years ago
- for (only for completed actions)
Present Perfect:
- Already
- Never
- Ever
- Just
- Lately
- This week/month/year
- Since
IMPORTANT!
last time– last time, last time ( Past Simple)
recently, lately- last time ( Present Perfect)
That's all the rules. I hope you found the answers to all your questions about the correct use Present Perfect And Past Simple.
How to finally “sort out” times in English language? The task is not easy, but there is a solution: to draw a parallel between “similar” times. A comparison of Present Simple (Simple Present) and Present Perfect (Present Perfect) will clearly show the difference between two tenses that belong to the same group - present (Present).
General information
The common belief that the English language has many tenses, but Russian has only three is wrong. Both in one and in the other there are only three tenses: present (Present), past (Past) and future (Future). The difference lies in the number of temporary forms. The language of Foggy Albion draws attention not only to when the action occurred, but also to its “quality” at the moment of its occurrence - regularity, duration and completeness. From here four aspects “follow” for each of the times: Simple, Continuous, Perfect, Perfect Continuous(Completely long-lasting).
The tenses Present Simple (Simple Present) and Present Perfect (Present Perfect) belong to the group of present tenses. In other words, the action they describe is connected to the present, it unites them. What separates them is something else—the “nature” of the action.
State verbs in English cannot be used in the Continuous aspect. In the Present Continuous (Present Continuous Tense) comes to their aid present time Simple (Simple Present).
Comparative analysis
A comparison table will help describe the “character” of actions in the two tenses and understand what the difference is between Present Perfect and Present Simple:
|
Present Perfect Present Perfect tense |
Present Simple Simple Present Tense |
|
Describes an action that has completed to date or during the present time: He has just come back home - He just returned home |
Denotes a common, repeated action in the present: TOP 4 articleswho are reading along with this My mother usually cooks many tasty dishes for Christmas - My mother usually cooks many dishes for Christmas |
|
Describes an action that began in the past but continues in the present, still relevant in the present: She has never drunk beer - She has never drank beer (She has never tried this drink and is still not familiar with its taste) |
When talking about generally accepted truths, scientific facts, known laws: Children grow faster in spring - Children grow faster in spring |
|
Used to describe an action that happened in the past, it is unknown and no matter when exactly, but its result is visible in the present: Children know this grammar rule. They have already learned it - Children know this grammar rule. They already taught him. |
Used in schedules of various types of transport: Bus 10 starts at 5.00 p.m. from the bus terminal - Bus 10 leaves at 5 pm from the bus station |
|
Used with never - never, ever - ever, already - already, just - exactly, just, only, before - before, before, not ...yet - not yet and other time markers |
Used with always - always, often - often, usually - usually, sometimes - sometimes, rarely - rarely and other time indicators. |
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