Present perfect Simple past

Present perfect vs. Simple past (1) Present perfect … up to the present recent past

repeated action in the past: might happen again (+ so far / up to now)

Adapted from: Martin Hewings. 1999. Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press.

Simple past particular time, finished distant past

repeated action in the past

Present perfect vs. Simple past (2) Compare: i.

I lived in London. I have lived in London.

ii.

The research is now complete and the experiment was a success. The research is now complete and the experiment has been a success.

iii. I didn’t shave today. I haven’t shaved today.

iv. I wrote three letters this morning. I have written three letters this morning. Adopted from: Martin Hewings. 1999. Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press.

Present perfect continuous vs. Present perfect simple (1) Present perfect coninuous

Present perfect (simple)

to focus on activity/event may or may not be finished

to focus on the effect of activity/event, or the fact that sth has been achieved

to talk about actions/events repeated again and again (no idication of the number of times) temporary situations

to emphasize that a situation has changed over a period of time up to now (and may also continue to change)

long-lasting/permanent situations OR talk about whole of a period of time up till the present, ALSO temporary situations

specific change over a period of time which ends now, with focus on the result of this change

Adopted from: Martin Hewings. 1999. Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press.

Present perfect continuous vs. Present perfect simple (2) Compare:

i.

I have been following their discussion with great interest. I have followed their discussion with great interest.

ii.

John has been kicking / has kicked a football against the wall all afternoon.

iii. Sales have been increasing for some time. Prices have decreased by 7%.


Past perfect vs. Simple past Compare:

i.

When he stopped laughing, everyone left. When he stopped laughing, everyone had left.

ii.

I got up when the phone rang. I had gone to bed when the phone rang.
