Same vs. Different Meaning
There are some cases in which using the simple past and present perfect have the same or a
different meaning. In general, simple past refers to a specific time in the past, whereas
present perfect is an unspecified time. In addition, the meaning of the sentences changes
when more specific information (e.g. dates, times) is provided. See the examples in the
chart below.
They completed the game.
Present Perfect
They have completed the game.
Both games were completed in the past, but
simple past emphasizes more a completed past
event
a) They completed the game at 5pm.
b) Ann was in Los Angeles for 3 days.
Present Perfect
a) They have completed the game.
b) Ann has been in Los Angeles for 3 days.
In Example A, the Simple Past form means the game
was completed at a specific time in the past,
whereas in Present Perfect it is an unknown time.
In Example B, the Simple Past form means the
activity started in the past and finished, whereas in
Present Perfect it started in the past and still
continues to the present.
Grammar Forms
To begin forming the simple past or present perfect, it’s important to know how the verb
forms change from present, past simple, and the past participle. See how each tense is
formed below.
Regular Verbs: add -ed (walk
Irregular Verbs: Learn them (go
went)
3
rd
Person Singular (he, she, it): has + past participle
Examples: He has walked; Larry has gone
All others (I, you, we, they): have + past particle
Examples: I have spoken with him; They have finished
Regular Verbs: add -ed (same form as simple past)
Irregular Verbs: Learn them (go
gone; speak
spoken)
Practice Exercises