Difference between Simple past tense and present perfect tense
Students face confusion sometimes at the time of using simple past tense or present perfect tense as both tenses explain finished or completed actions. Both the tenses express time with the actions verbs for which we need to use it with time expressing adverbs. So, we need to study these two tenses deeply for reducing the difficulty in understanding. We have discussed the rules of formations and application in different occasions for the two tenses. By studying fully students will be efficient to use the two tenses on appropriate conditions to explain certain actions.
Time expressing adverbs:
Simple past tense:
Ago, last, yesterday, in 1997, in the 19th century, on Sunday, in January etc.
Present perfect tense:
Yet, already, just, for, never, since ever etc.
Formation rules:
Simple past tense:
Subject+ main verb past form+ objects or other words.
Present perfect tense:
Subject+ have/has+ main verb 3rd form+ object or other words.
To understand the difference between two tenses we must consider the using rules first. For that we have explained all rules along with perfect examples for students. The rules are:
i) Simple past tense refers finished time with completed action whereas present perfect tense refers unfinished time with actions.
Ex.
We lived there from 1990-2000. (simple past)
I have worked as a manager since 2005. (present perfect)
ii) Simple past tense is always used with some definite time but present perfect tense is applied with indefinite time mention.
Ex.
I visited the Indian museum in 2020. (simple past)
I have seen the India gate. (present perfect)
iii) Simple past tense mentions series of finished actions and repeated actions. But present perfect tense indicates the effects, results, and experiences of completed actions.
Ex.
He went to library every week in the last year. (simple past)
I have watched this movie many times. (present perfect)
iv) Simple past refers actions which started and ended in the past itself. Present perfect tense refers actions which began and ended but its results are prevalent at present time.
Ex.
I cut my finger with knife. (simple past)
I have hurt my arm. (present perfect)
v) To mention the actions of past with specific time simple past tense will be used, when an action occurred in the past with unspecified time present perfect tense will be applied for that.
Ex.
I came from Mumbai yesterday. (simple past)
I have already finished my homework. (present perfect)
FAQs:
1.) How can we identify simple past and present perfect tense?
Answer. Simple past tense is used with past forms of main verbs only, present perfect tense is used with have/has and main verb 3rd form to refer an action.
2.) What are the common time adverbs for simple past and present perfect tense?
Answer. The common time adverbs for simple past tense are ago, yesterday, last night, last day, last etc., for present perfect tense already, just, never, ever, yet, for, since etc. will be used to mention the past and completed actions.
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