1. Simple past vs. present perfect

2. Forming the different tenses To form the simple past you simply add –ed to the end of regular verbs I walked to school. We watched the movie together. Many verbs in English are irregular in the past– see this list.this list.

3. Present perfect The present perfect requires a form of the verb to have (has/have) + 3 rd form of a verb (sing/sang/sung). We have walked through the park many times. We have not seen any new movies lately.

4. Uses of the tenses: Completeness The present perfect is used when the time period is seen as unfinished. I have seen three movies this week. (The week is not yet over) The simple past is used when the time period is seen as finished. I saw three movies last week.

5. New information vs. old The present perfect is frequently used to give recent information. There has just been an accident on the A12. (This information is new.) The simple past is used to convey older information. There was an accident last week in that same spot. (This talks about an older event.)

6. Indications of time The present perfect is also used to talk about unspecified time in the past. Some key words are already, just, until now, ever, (not) yet, lately, etc. I have been to Italy twice already. (I do not say when). The simple past is used to talk about things that are tied to a specific time in the past. Look for key words like yesterday, …ago, the other day, last…, in 1989, etc. We went to Italy in 2010. (Time is clearly defined)

7. Finished vs. unfinished The present perfect is used with for and since when the actions are not yet completed. I have worked on this project for six months. (The project is not finished.) I have lived in Amsterdam since 2009. (I still live there.) The simple past is used with for when the action is completed. I worked on the project for six months. (It is complete.) I lived in Amsterdam for 2 years. (I no longer live there.)

8. Time to practice!!! 1. Thomas lived/has lived in Rotterdam for 5 years but he moved to Delft in 2012. 2. I lost/ have lost my keys last week. 3. Somebody stole/has stolen my bicycle! It was here just a minute ago. 4. Laura fell/has fallen down the stairs twice this week. 5. I saw/have seen the movie “Fight Club” many times. I want to see it again today.