The Present Perfect Tense - Experiences
The Present Perfect Vs The Past Simple
We use the present perfect tense for life experiences (at any time up to now) and events occuring at least once in the past. We don't say the time it happened.
We use the past simple tense for completed actions at a specific time in the past.
| Present Perfect Tense | |
|---|
| I've been to the Pyramids | before |
| Past Simple Tense | |
|---|
| I went to the Pyramids | last year |
We usually start with the present perfect tense to discuss life experiences and then use the past simple tense for more information:
| Question | | Answer |
|---|
| Have you ever been to the Pyramids? | ⇒ | Yes, I have. |
| When did you go there? | ⇒ | I went 2 years ago. |
| What did you see? | ⇒ | I saw the Great Pyramid. |
Now try the quiz below!