Lesson

Present perfect vs past simple - I have done, I did

Choosing correctly

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Present perfect vs past simple — I have done, I did

This lesson explains how to choose between the present perfect (have + past participle) and the past simple (verb in past form). Both describe past actions, but the difference is whether the action is connected to the present or clearly finished in the past.

  • Use the present perfect for past actions with present relevance, unspecified time, experiences, or continuing situations (e.g., I have worked here).
  • Use the past simple for actions completed at a specific time in the past (e.g., I worked here in 2015; I finished the report yesterday).
  • Look for time expressions: 'ever', 'never', 'yet', 'already', 'just', 'for', 'since' often go with present perfect; 'yesterday', 'last year', 'in 2019', 'ago' signal past simple.

Table

Comparison: Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Structure Use Example
Present perfect: have/has + past participle Action with present relevance; experience; no specific past time; continuing situation I have finished the report. (The report is now ready.)
Past simple: verb + -ed / irregular past Completed action at a specific past time I finished the report yesterday. (Completed yesterday)
Present perfect with 'for'/'since' Duration up to now She has worked here for five years.
Past simple with a finished period Duration in the past, now finished She worked here for five years (but not anymore).
Signal words — Present perfect 'ever', 'never', 'yet', 'already', 'just', 'for', 'since' Have you ever attended a conference?
Signal words — Past simple 'yesterday', 'last week', 'in 2019', 'ago' They met the client two days ago.

Tip

Key rule: Choose by present relevance and time expressions

Decide which tense to use by asking: Is the action connected to now or finished at a specific past time?

  • If the action affects the present or the time is not specified → use present perfect (have + past participle).
  • If the action happened at a specific time in the past → use past simple (past form).
  • Use 'for'/'since' with present perfect to talk about duration continuing to now; use past simple for durations that ended.

Signal words are your best clue: choose the tense that matches the time expression.

Example

Examples in context

I have finished the report.

I finished the report yesterday.

They have worked with the client since 2018.

They worked with the client in 2017.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often mix the two tenses. Watch for these universal errors:

  • Using present perfect with finished time expressions (e.g., 'I have seen him yesterday' — incorrect).
  • Using past simple when the result still matters now (e.g., 'I finished' vs 'I have finished' when emphasizing present status).
  • Forgetting the auxiliary 'have' and using the past participle alone (e.g., 'I finished' instead of 'I have finished' when needed).
  • Confusing regular and irregular past participles (e.g., 'I have went' — incorrect; correct: 'I have gone').
  • Misplacing time adverbs: put 'yet'/'already' in present perfect sentences (e.g., 'I have already sent the email').

Check signal words and the sentence's link to the present before choosing the tense.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Look for a time expression that shows a completed past time.

Quiz

Complete: She _____ at the company since 2019.

Hint: Think about a verb form that expresses a duration continuing to now.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that shows a completed action with present relevance (the result matters now):

Hint: Focus on whether the sentence implies a current result or a finished past time.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

present perfect

verb form CEFR B1 //ˌprɛzənt ˈpɜːrfɪkt//

A tense formed with have/has + past participle to express actions with present relevance or unspecified past time.

We have completed the audit.

GrammarPoint

past simple

verb form CEFR B1 //pæst ˈsɪmpəl//

A tense used for actions completed at a specific time in the past.

We launched the product last June.

GrammarPoint

past participle

noun CEFR B1 //pæst ˈpɑːrtɪsɪpəl//

The verb form used with perfect tenses (e.g., 'written', 'gone', 'worked').

The manager has written the summary.

GrammarPoint

for

preposition CEFR A2 //fɔːr//

Used to indicate a duration of time (e.g., for three years).

She has been on the team for two years.

GrammarPoint

since

preposition CEFR B1 //sɪns//

Used to indicate the starting point of a period that continues to now (e.g., since 2019).

The company has expanded since 2016.

Vocabulary

yet

adverb CEFR B1 //jɛt//

Used mainly in negative sentences and questions with present perfect to indicate something expected has not happened or asking if it has happened.

Have you sent the proposal yet?