(laiay cy Present pertect When we talk about something that happened in the past, but we don't specify precisely when it ‘happened (perhaps we don't know, or its not important to say when it happened), we use the present perfect (but see E below): + A French yachtsman has broken the record for s + Thuve complained about the wfc before. ing round the world single-handed, When we use the present perfect, it suggests some kind of connection between what happened in the past, and the present time. Often we are interested in the way that something that happened in the past ‘affects the situation that exists now: + Tve washed my hands so that I can help you with the cooking. * We can't go ahead with the meeting, because very few people have shown any interest ‘The connection with the present may also be that something happened recently, with a consequence for the present * Te found the letter you were looking for. Here itis, = My ceiling has fallen in and the kitchen is flooded. Come quickly! ‘Whea we talk about how long an existing situation has lasted, even if we don't give a precise length of time, we use the present pecfect (but soe F below): * They've grown such a lot since we last saw them. Pree: lave filen sharply over de pas six monihs + We've recently started to walk to work instead of taking the bus, We often use the present perfect to say that an action or event has been repeated a number of times up to now (se also Unit 4B): + They've been to Chile three times, + T've often wished I'd learned to read music. Past simple When we want to indicate that something happened at a specific time in the past, we use the past simple. We can either say when it happened, using a time adverb, or assume that the hearer already knows when it happened or can understand this from the context: + ‘Spe arrived at Kennedy Airport at2 o'clock this morning. + Jane let just a few minutes ago. + Jim decided to continue the course, even though it was proving very difficult. ‘We use the past simple for situations thet existed for a period of time in the past, but not now: © When I was younger I played badminton for my local team. *» The Pharaohs ruled Egypt for thousands of years. [fwe are interested in when a present situation began rather than how long it bas been going on for, we use the past simple. Compare: * Tstarted to get the pains three weeks ago, + Ive had the pains for three weeks now. @. * When did you arrive in Britain? * How long have you been in Britain? “However, we also use the past simple 10 talk zbout how long something went on for if the action cr event is no longer going on (see also Unit 4C): + I stayed with my grandparents for six months. (= 1 am no longer staying there) * "He spent some time in Paris when he was younger: How long did he live tere?"EXERCISES 3 BL Choose a verb with either the present porfect or past simple for these sentences. (A & E) agree appear continue disappear move reach show solve write 1 Research hae. shohm.. that eycling can help patients overcome their lineses. 2 The rabbit just ‘in my garden one day last week. 3 With this promotion, 1 feel that I ‘aturning point in my career, 4 Oh, no! My car. t 5 Quite early in the negotiations, they 10 lower the prices. 6 Tn 1788 he ‘his last great work in Vienna. 17 Thete's not much more to do, now that we the main problem 8 Throughout the summer of 1980 Maleolm to divide his time between London and Now York. 9. When he was 13, his parents to the United States. 32. Suggest a verb that can complete both sentences in each pair. Use either the present perfect or the past simple. Use |. to add any words outside the space. (B, EF) 1 @ The price ofhouses dramatically in revent years. ‘> Unemployment every year until 1985 and then started to fll 2 a Athis wedding he ‘a green suit and red tie. 1b These are the glases I ‘eer since Iwas 30. 3-4 The company many setbacks in its 50-year history, but itis now flourishing 'b Few ofthe rees in our village she storms dusing the winter of 1991. 4a This ‘his home for over 20 years and he doesc't want to leave it, b When I picked up the coffee I surprised to find i that it Was cold. 5 a So farit's boon so cold that we in the hnowse all day. » We swith Mike and Sue last weekend. 6 a Last ‘you in Beling three years ago. Inever anyone play so well in my whole life. 3.3. Find she following: (D) three sentonces that are incorrect; (7) three sentences with the present perfect which could also ‘have the past simple (consider the difference in meaning); (HH) throe sentences whore anly the present porfect is correct. (A-G) ‘Jane has agreed to lend us her car. (i) Do you know how many people have walked on the moon? Phone for an ambulance. I think Keith's broken his 7m, Ja his twenties, Lawrence has spent many years travelling around Spaln. ‘The Vikings have established @ seitlement at what is now York, in the north of England. The house looks so much bigger now that we've painted the walls in brighter colours. ‘My brother has gone into town to buy some new shoes. ‘The Earth has been formed about 4,500 million years ago. [ve worked in Malaysia for three years.