PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

- It emphasizes RESULT. For completed actions at unspecific times in the past. (= an

experience)
- Completed actions that have started in the past and continued in the present or that have a
connection with the present
- It expresses that the action is permanent (with non-progressive verbs: look, love, own,
need, realize, smell, see, suppose, mind, prefer, believe, know, like, want, understand,
etc.)
- To express that a completed action led to a desired result.
Signal words: already, yet, still, so far, lately, recently, for, since, never, ever, all my life,
How many times? Once, twice, 3 times…
1. Past action with present result: [Look!] I’ve done my homework, teacher!
2. Unfinished period of time: [How long, for, since] For the last 3 days it has been cloudy.
3. All my life: [never ever] I have never focused on this topic.

PAST SIMPLE VS PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

Past Simple – WE KNOW WHEN Present Perfect Simple – WE KNOW HOW

LONG
[2nd form] – I went.
[3rd form] – I have gone
3 years ago I finished university.
I’ve known him for 3 years. – you still know
I went to work last week.
him now, this is unfinished
When did you start the lesson?
I’ve lived in Moscow since 2006. – you still
In 1997 I was in Paris. live here now

FINISHED She has worked here all her life. – her life is
unfinished, she’s still alive
They have just arrived. – it’s barely finished
He hasn’t phoned yet. – I’m still waiting for
him to phone
UNFINISHED PERIODS OF TIME (ALL
YOUR LIFE)