Simple Past vs. Present Perfect
Simple past We use simple past for an action in the past with a definite time. I saw him yesterday. What did you do yesterday? We played the guitar.
Present Perfect We use present perfect for an action in the past where time is indefinite. Have you seen a bear before? Has the teacher collected our homework? Time is not important!
Present Perfect Form the present perfect like this: Have or has + past participle Some irregular past participles: Seen Gone Taken Written Eaten
Present Perfect You need to study these irregular past participles, as well! Some irregular past participles: Seen Gone Taken Written Eaten
Present Perfect We use it for something that can happen again exactly! I’ ve seen a bear. I saw a bear yesterday. She ’s taken my pencil! She took my pencil when you weren’t looking!
COMPARE: SIMPLE PASTPRESENT PERFECT Yesterday, I saw a bear. Yes, I’ve seen a bear. When did you come to Canada? Have you visited Japan? I went home early on Friday. Have you ever gone home early? I saw the celebrity before he died. Not many people have met this celebrity.
Present Perfect A lot of these hints are based on context. You have to really think about whether or not we can find the time or if it can be repeated exactly! The man died OR The man has died ?
If you were stuck in a room with a man, what would be the better thing for him to say: I killed a man I ’ve killed a man Why? Tell your partner.
Practice Time Ask your partner 5 questions using, “Have you ever…” If your partner answers, “Yes, I have”, then they should use the simple past to explain when that happened. Example: Have you ever seen a bear? Yes, I have. I saw one in June. A: Have you ever _______________? B: No, I haven’t.OR Yes, I have. I ________ + time. simple past
Questions this Presentation Answers 1. What is the present perfect? 2. What is indefinite time? 3. When do we use present perfect, and when do we use simple past? 4. What is the past participle?