Past Simple or Present Perfect

Past simple is used to talk about actions in the past that have finished. It talks about 'then' and definitely excludes 'now'.

Present perfect simple is used to look back on actions in the past from the present. It always includes 'now'.

These sentences are in the past with no connection to the present.

• I first got to know him 10 years ago.
• I started work here in 1989.

These same situations seen from the present.

• I've known him for 10 years.
• I've worked here since 1987.

Time expressions like 'yesterday', 'ago', 'last year', 'in 1999' with the past simple.

• We spoke to him yesterday.
• She joined the company in 1999.

Time expressions like are 'ever', 'never', 'since' with the present perfect.

• I've never seen so many people here before.
• I've done a lot since we last talked about it.

Present Perfect Simple or Continuous

To emphasize the action, we use the continuous form.

• She's been having a hard time.
• We've been working really hard for a couple of months.

To emphasize the result of the action, we use the simple form.

• He's written a very good report.
• I've made fifteen phone calls this morning.

When an action is finished and you can see the results, use the continuous form.

• Your face is red. Have you been running?
• The phone bill is enormous. You've been calling your boyfriend in Canada, haven't you?

When you use the words 'ever' or 'never', use the simple form.

• Have you ever heard anything so strange in your life?
• I don't know them. I've never met them.

Present Perfect Continuous

When we want to talk about an action or actions that started in the past and continued until recently or that continue into the future.

1. To refer to an action that has finished but you can still see evidence

• Oh, the kitchen is a mess. Who has been cooking?
• You look tired. Have you been sleeping properly?

2. To an action that has not finished

• I've been waiting for 30 minutes and he still hasn't arrived.
• I've been learning English for 20 years and I still don't know very much.

3. To a series of actions.

• He's been phoning me all week for an answer.
• She's been writing to her regularly for a couple of years.

We often used with 'since', 'for', 'all week', 'for days', 'lately', 'recently', 'over the last few months'.

Present Perfect

When we want to look back from the present to the past

1. To look back on the recent past

• The sales team has doubled its turnover.
• They have cancelled the meeting.
• I've broken my watch so I don't know what time it is.

When we look back on the recent past, we often use the words 'just' 'already' or the word 'yet' (in negatives and questions only).

• Have you spoken to him yet?
• They've already met.
• I've just done it.
• She hasn't arrived yet.
• We've already talked about that.

2. To look back on the more distant past

• We've mentioned it to them on several occasions over the last six months.
• She's done this type of project many times before.
• We've been to Singapore a lot over the last few years.

When we look back on the more distant past, we often use the words 'ever' (in questions) and 'never

• We've never considered investing in Mexico.
• I've never met Lisa and David.
• Have you ever been to Argentina?

Past Simple or Continuous

When we use these two forms in the same sentence, we use the past continuous to talk about the "background action" and the past simple to talk about the shorter completed action.

• He was going out to lunch when I saw him.
• I was reading the report when you rang me.
• It was raining hard when we left the building.

Past Continuous

To talk about past events which went on for a period of time

1. To emphasize the continuing process of an activity or the period of that activity

• While I was driving home, Lisa was trying desperately to contact me.
• Were you expecting any visitors?
• I was just making some coffee.
• I was thinking about him last night.
• In the 1990s few people were using mobile phones.

2. To describe a "background action" when something else happened

• I was making a presentation in front of many people when the microphone stopped working.
• We were just talking about it before you arrived.
• The company was declining rapidly before he took charge.
• They were still waiting for the plane when I spoke to them.
• I was walking in the street when I suddenly fell over.

Past Simple

To talk about actions and states which we see as completed in the past.

1. A specific point in time

• He didn't agree to the deal.
• I saw him in the street.
• He came back last Sunday.

2. A period of time

• When I was living in Singapore, I went to all the art exhibitions I could.
• They were in Thailand from Monday to Thursday of last week.
• She lived in Taiwan for seven years.

Present Simple or Continuous

The present continuous to talk about events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk about events which are habits/permanent.

• I'm thinking about dying my hair brown, but I don't think my wife will be very happy about it.
• I often drive to work but I'm taking the train this morning because my car is in for repair.
• I usually don't drink coffee but I'm having one this morning because there is nothing else.

Present Simple

To talk about actions we see as long term or permanent

1. Regular actions or events

• Do you usually have bread and eggs for breakfast?
• She doesn't come here very often.
• They drive to the office every day.

2. Facts

• What does this expression mean?
• Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F.
• We have two children.

3. Future facts, usually found in a timetable or a chart

• Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year.
• The plane leaves at 5.00 tomorrow morning.
• Does the class begin at 10 or 11 this week?

4. Thoughts and feelings at the time of speaking

• Do you understand what I am trying to say?
• He doesn't want you to do it.
• I think you are right.

Present Continuous

To talk about present situations which we see as short term or temporary

1. the action is taking place at the time speaking.

• It's raining.
• Who is Lisa talking to on the phone?
• Look, somebody is trying to steal that woman's wallet.

2. the action is true at the present time, but we don't think it will be true in a long term.

• I'm looking for a new flat.
• He's thinking about leaving his job.
• Are you getting enough sleep?

3. the action is at a definite point in the future and it has already been arranged.

• I'm meeting him at 6.30.
• They aren't arriving until Sunday.
• Isn't she coming to the dinner?