present perfect

[Anonymous]

what is the difference between the simple past and the present perfect

[Anonymous]

what is the difference between the simple past and the present perfect

The simple past is formed by using only the past tense of the verb in combination with a noun or a pronoun.

The past perfect is formed by using the past tense form of 'to have', which is 'had', in combination with a past participle.

Here is an example: I already ate. - Of course that is the simple past.


When I woke up and looked out the window, it had already started to snow. - That, of course is the past perfect.


The past perfect is usually used to form a sentence with 2 clauses, though this isn't always the case necessarily.

If you would like, you can write some sentences using the past perfect for practice. We'll take a look at them.

What is your first language?

[Red5]

The Simple Past - http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/simple-past.html

The Present Perfect - http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary...t-perfect.html

[MikeNewYork]

what is the difference between the simple past and the present perfect

This is a difficult area of English and there is some difference in usage between British English and American English.

The simple past is used for actions that ended some time in the past.

With the present perfect, the action has occurred in the past but it has some connection to the present. Some situations include:

1. It continues to happen.
2. The completed action has some relevance to a present matter.

This is a very simple explanation:

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzo...mar/upperf.htm

[Tdol]

This is a very basic outline to try to give you an idea:

The past simple is for past actions and states that are not connected to now.

I lived in Spain until 1998. (I don't live there now)

The present perfect is for unfinished states:

I have been married for three years. (I am still married)

The present perfect is also for past actions that are connected or relevant to now:

I can't go out because I have broken my leg. (The accident is past, but the leg is still broken and affects the current situation)

[Anonymous]

I compared the past perfect to the past. I should read more carefully.
:(