1. THE PRESENT PERFECT VS THE PAST SIMPLE VS THE PRESENT SIMPLE

2. THE PRESENT PERFECT Use the present perfect to talk about recent events or a past event which the speaker feels is connected with the present. Use the present perfect to talk about an event or situation which began in the past and continues now. Use the present perfect when it is not important WHEN the past event took place. Signal words: already, yet, ever, never, before, just, recently, for+period of time, since + a point in time, so far, until now, How long….? Examples: It has rained a lot. (Everything is wet now) We have never been to Scotland. I ’ve loved classical music since I was a child. He has just finished reading his book.

3. THE PAST SIMPLE Use the past simple to talk about a finished past action. Certain time expressions may be used with the past simple. When the following signal words occur you have to use the past simple. Signal words: yesterday, last week/month/year, in+year, …….ago, then, when Examples: It snowed yesterday. In the 1970s, computers were large machines. When he was a boy, Tom Cruise went to many different schools. I didn’t meet up with him last month. Did you do your homework an hour ago?

4. THE PRESENT SIMPLE Use the present simple for things/situations that are always or usually true. (facts) regular or repeated events in the present. (habits) Signal words: often, usually, always, never, ever, every year/day…., sometimes Examples: I always go to school on Mondays. They often have dinner together in the weekends. Do you drink coffee in the morning? We don’t have a car. Sandra phones her mother every day.

5. Pay attention! The choice of the present perfect, past simple or present simple can sometimes depend on thepoint of view of the speaker or on the context. So watch out! this morning/afternoon I didn’t see John this morning. (the speaker is talking at the end of the day and the morning is finished) I haven’t seen John this morning. ( the speaker is talking in the morning, the morning is still going on) always I always believe him. (fact, it is always true) I have always believed him. (for all the time I can remember) For In 1982 I lived in London for 2 months. (it took place in 1982, a finished situation) I have lived in London for two months. (I started living in London two months ago, and I live there now.)