The Present Perfect and Simple Past tenses are two of the most common tenses in English. However, many learners still struggle to fully understand how they differ—especially since both refer to past events.
To help you apply each tense correctly and avoid common mistakes, this article provides clear explanations, comparison charts, and beginner-friendly exercises.
1. Definitions of the Present Perfect and Simple Past Tenses
Present Perfect Tense
The Present Perfect tense is used to describe actions that began in the past and continue to the present or may continue into the future.
Examples:
He has done his homework since 5 p.m.
They have worked here since 1998.
Simple Past Tense
The Simple Past tense describes actions that happened and were completed in the past. It often refers to a specific point in time.
Examples:
Mary did not come to the company last week.
I traveled to China two years ago.
2. Grammar Structures: Present Perfect vs. Simple Past
With the verb “to be”
Sentence Type | Present Perfect | Simple Past |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + have/has + been + adj/N | S + was/were + adj/N |
Example | My father has been sick since Sunday | My father was sick last Sunday |
Negative | S + have/has + not + been + adj/N | S + was/were + not + adj/N |
Example | They have not been active lately | They were not active last semester |
Yes/No Q | Have/Has + S + been + adj/N ? | Was/Were + S + adj/N ? |
WH- Question | WH + have/has + S + (not) + been...? | WH + was/were + S + (not) + adj/N ? |
With regular action verbs
Sentence Type | Present Perfect | Simple Past |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + have/has + past participle | S + verb in past form (V2/ed) |
Example | She has just bought a house | She bought a house last month |
Negative | S + have/has + not + past participle | S + did not + base verb |
Example | She has not finished her homework yet | She did not show me the password |
Yes/No Q | Have/Has + S + past participle ? | Did + S + base verb ? |
WH- Question | WH + have/has + S + (not) + past participle ? | WH + did + S + (not) + base verb ? |
3. Signal Words
Present Perfect Tense | Simple Past Tense |
|---|---|
for, since, just, already, before, yet | yesterday, ago, last week/month/year |
ever, never, recently, so far | the day before, in the past, earlier today |
4. When to Use Present Perfect vs. Simple Past
Present Perfect Tense
Usage | Example |
|---|---|
Past action continuing into the present | Jane has stayed with her parents since graduation |
Repeated action in the past | David has written five books |
Action at an unknown time in the past | Someone has taken my seat |
Personal experiences or comparisons | This is the best movie I have ever watched |
Past action with present consequences | She has lost her phone (so she cannot call anyone now) |
Simple Past Tense
Usage | Example |
|---|---|
Completed action in the past | I studied for a Master's degree in the USA in 2014 |
Repeated habit or action in the past | Jack cried a lot when he was a child |
Interrupted action in the past | I was going to school when I met Jenny |
Sequence of past actions | We went to the store and bought lunch |
Unreal wish or conditional sentence | If I won the lottery, I would build libraries |
Unreal present conditional | If I were you, I wouldn’t drink that smoothie |
5. Present Perfect Practice
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using the Present Perfect tense
Bo has driven Rose to work today.
They have worked all day and night.
We have seen the new bridge.
He has had breakfast this morning.
Ann and Don have washed the car.
Kathy has wanted to go to Queensland for a long time.
Mel has given up smoking.
I have forgotten that man's name.
They have lost their keys.
Jack has been to England.
Exercise 2: Rewrite using Present Perfect and the words provided
We have played tennis for 2 years.
Mai has gone to the library today.
My sister has moved to a new house near her boyfriend's flat.
His teacher has not explained this lesson yet.
This is the best film I have ever watched.
Minh has just left the office for 2 hours.
Have they written a report since last Monday?
6. Simple Past Practice
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using the correct past verb forms
Alex ordered office chairs online last Monday.
The next morning he realized he needed two more.
He tried to call, but no one answered.
Alex worried that the website was fake.
He emailed and explained his situation.
The support team responded and fixed the issue.
Alex relaxed when he received confirmation.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks using correct past forms
gave
died
was
was
married
hired
was
pursued
took
took
lived
adored
was
tricked
went
discovered
gave
We hope this guide helps you clearly understand the differences between the Present Perfect and Simple Past tenses and how to apply them in daily English communication and exams.
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