Rule: Present Perfect and Past Simple ShowHide

Past Simple

A finished action at a finished time – we say or know when.

I went to the new gym yesterday.
Last week Fred fell off a ladder and broke his arm.

yesterday · last week · two years ago · in July · when I was six · When …?

Present Perfect

have / has + 3rd form. The time is not finished, or we don't say it.

• Life experience: Have you ever been to Tokyo?
• From the past up to now: I haven't seen Sam for a long time.
• In a time that isn't over yet: Ted has called you twice this morning.

ever · never · just · already · yet · for · since · today · this week · so far

Start with the Present Perfect, give the details in the Past Simple: Have you ever been to Paris? – Yes, I went there last summer. A finished time never goes with the Present Perfect: We moved here two years ago, not have moved.

Games on Present Perfect and Past Simple

Ready-made games on this topic. Open one on the board and play in teams.

Open the Box · 15 boxesPresent Perfect and Past Simple team game (A2)A team game for A2: open a box and answer – Present Perfect and Past Simple.Play

Flashcards · 24 cardsPresent Perfect and Past Simple practice (A2)Cards for A2: answer, then flip the card to check – Present Perfect and Past Simple.Play

Play this exercise

The sentences of this exercise as a game – nothing to set up.

Open the BoxTeam gameOpen a box, answer, win points.Play

FlashcardsFlip and checkSay the answer, then flip the card.Play