In English, you can use the present perfect simple to describe actions in the past. It can be used to describe both finished and unfinished actions. It is similar to the past simple verb tense.[1]https://7esl.com/past-simple-and-present-perfect/
However, the main differences between the two are:
Past Simple vs. Present Simple
- Finished vs. unfinished time
- Definite vs. indefinite time
- Finished actions vs. experiences or results
In addition, the present perfect tense is conjugated in the following manner:
Subject + has/have + Verb –ed
While, the past simple tense is conjugated in the following manner:
Subject + verb -ed
Unfinished Time
You can use the it to describe events that started in the past but that are not yet finished. In other words, you might have started doing something in the past and are still doing that same thing at the moment.
For example:
- I have worked at this company since 1999.
- She has been studying since 8 am.
- Frank has been running since he was 5 years old.
Use the word “since” to indicate the starting point in the past.
Indefinite Time
You can use it to describe an event in the past at an unspecified moment. In other words, you can talk about the past without giving the exact time.
For example:
- They have visited the museum before.
- We have seen the Pyramids in Egypt.
- She has visited New York.
Experiences or Results
You can also use the it to describe experiences or results.
For example:
- Susie has watched the movie already.
- I have already ridden the roller coaster 5 times.
- They have visited Mexico 2 times before.
Vocabulary Clues
There are several words to look out for to help give you a clue to use the present perfect verb tense.[2]https://pt.slideshare.net/MJSIMOES/present-perfect-vs-past-simple-english-language
- Ever
- Never
- Since
- So far
- yet
Example Exercises
Change the following sentences from past simple tense to present perfect simple tense.
References