Present Perfect & Past Simple
Grammar
Present Perfect Story
Who are they? What have they done? What has happened?
Linda has just walked outside with Grandmother. She wears an apron. So far, she has finished cleaning and washing. She has also gathered seeds and crumbs.
Now Linda and Grandmother are outside. Linda has just dropped some seeds on the ground to feed the birds. The birds have not come yet.
Recently, Grandmother has moved in with Linda's family. She now enjoys living with them.
Grandmother has already sat down on the bench. She also wears an apron. She has just finished cooking.
Grandmother and Linda wait for the birds. They have seen birds in the yard before. Grandmother has always liked to watch the birds. Linda has always liked to feed them.
Use of Present Perfect
- puts emphasis on the result
Example: She has written five letters.
- action that is still going on
Example: School has not started yet.
- action that stopped recently
Example: She has cooked dinner.
- finished action that has an influence on the present
Example: I have lost my key.
- action that has taken place once, never or several times before the moment of speaking
Example: I have never been to Australia.
Practice Time
Present perfect or past simple | Johnny Grammar | Learn English | British Council
Present Perfect vs Past Simple - Learn English Tenses (Lesson 4)