Simple past or present perfect?

This grammar exercise tests your understanding of past simple and present perfect tenses. Complete the following sentences using an appropriate tense form. Each question is followed by two suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.

1. I ………………… in this city when I was a child.

2. Nobody ………………….. him since yesterday.

3. ‘Where is John?’ ‘He ………………… here ten minutes ago.’

4. He ………………… last year.

5. She ………………….. since she left school.

6. They ………………….. the contract last week.

7. The film …………………… . yet.

8. She …………………. ill since she returned from Malaysia.

9. I …………………. your brother yesterday.

10. Look. Somebody ………………….. their umbrella behind.

Answers

1. I lived in this city when I was a child.

2. Nobody has seen him since yesterday.

3. ‘Where is John?’ ‘He was here ten minutes ago.’

4. He died last year.

5. She has been unemployed since she left school.

6. They signed the contract last week.

7. The film has not been released yet.

8. She has been ill since she returned from Malaysia.

9. I met your brother yesterday.

10. Look. Somebody has left their umbrella behind.