Do you know the difference?
Students often confuse these 2 tenses. However, they are quite different. Have you ever confused them? If you have, then this lesson is for you. I made the following chart for you.
Read the chart. Then answer the SPEAK YOUR MIND question.

Do you know the difference?
Students often confuse these 2 tenses. However, they are quite different. Have you ever confused them? If you have, then this lesson is for you. I made the following chart for you.
Read the chart. Then answer the SPEAK YOUR MIND question.
Here’s the Chart …
Present Perfect | Simple Past | |
---|---|---|
The formula is… |
|
|
It’s used… | for events related to the present, but that happened in the past.when specific time is not mentioned.for experiences that are not in a sequence. |
for events that happened in the past.when specific times are mentioned.for experiences in a sequence. |
The key words are… | •ever • never • for • since • just • yet |
• yesterday • last night/week/year/etc. • in 2009 (or any past date) • ago |
YOUR TURN
What is a place that you have visited?
What was memorable about it?
Have you ever been to New York?
What did you do yesterday?
Answer the questions in SPEAK YOUR MIND below.