LOR Ta) 1 CAUSES aC © We use the past simple for an action which | @ We use the present perfect for an action which happened at a definite time in the past. The time happened at an unstated time in the past, that Is, is stated, already known or implied. when the exact time Is netther mentioned nor Kate Steele wrote her frst novel in 1970. (When? in 1970, The time is stated.) ‘* We use the past simple to talk about the lives of people who are no longer allve, even If the time Is not stated. e.g. Wiliam Shakespeare wrote ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ (Shakespeare is no longer alive. We do not mention when he wrote the play, however, we use the past simple.) # We use the past simple for an action which | @ We use the present perfect or the present perfect began and finished in the past. continuous for an action which started in the past and continues up to the present. slim Presley has workedihas been working as a waiter George Bams was a basketball player for ten years. | for fiteen years. (He began working as a waiter fiteen (He is no longer a basketball player. He is @ coach.) | years ago and he is stil a waiter today.) ‘© We use the present perfect to announce a piece of news, and the past simple or past continuous to give more details about it. e.g. Ive ust seen the new boss. Iwas talking to Carol on the phone when he came in. Put the verbs in brackets into the past CA: Who was on the telephone? ‘simple or the present perfect. Bt) (be) Jane, A: Who is Jane? ‘A :Do you know that man? B: Someone who 2) (work) B: Oh yes. He's a very good friend of mine. 1 in my office for a few years, She's got anew job 4) .. ve known. know) him for about ten years. ‘now, though. A: I think 12) (meet) him at DA: Who is your favourite singer? a business meeting last month, B: Freddie Mercury. He 1) BA Mum 1) (lose) her purse. have) a wonderful voice. B: Where 2) (shellose) i? A: Yes, lagree. He 2) (erioy) B: [At the supermarket while she was shopping, performing live, too.