Grammar: past and present perfect

Vocabulary in this set

Choose between simple past and present perfect with common time markers.

1. last year + simple past

   Expression

   describe a completed action in a finished past period

   Last year + simple past: I traveled to Europe last year.

2. yesterday + simple past

   Expression

   describe a completed action at a specific past time

   Yesterday + simple past: They played soccer yesterday.

3. simple past negative

   Phrase

   say that an action did not happen in the past

   Simple past negative: We did not go to the party.

4. simple past question

   Phrase

   ask whether an action happened in the past

   Simple past question: Did they enjoy the concert?

5. already + present perfect

   Expression

   show that a recent action is complete sooner than expected

   Already + present perfect: She has already finished her homework.

6. ever + present perfect

   Expression

   ask about experience at any time before now

   Ever + present perfect: Have you ever been to Asia?

7. present perfect negative

   Phrase

   say that something has not happened up to now

   Present perfect negative: We have not met the new neighbors.

8. for + present perfect

   Expression

   show how long a state has continued up to now

   For + present perfect: We have lived here for five years.

9. recently + present perfect

   Expression

   ask about an action connected to the recent past

   Recently + present perfect: Has he visited the museum recently?

10. before + present perfect

    Expression

    talk about an experience without naming a finished time

    Before + present perfect: I have seen that movie before.