Both the simple past and the present perfect are used to talk about finished actions and situations. However, there is an important difference between them. The present perfect tense cannot be used with expressions referring to the past.
Can you use simple past and present perfect tenses correctly? Test your understanding with this grammar exercise.
Answers
1. I lived here when I was a child.
2. I haven’t seen her since last year.
3. She has been unhappy since she left school.
4. ‘Where is John?’ ‘He was here ten minutes ago.’
5. They signed the contract last week.
6. She has been ill for a long time.
7. Somebody has left their umbrella in the lobby.
8. Have you ever seen a ghost?
9. I can’t get into my house because I have lost my keys.
10. I have written six letters since morning.
11. Sophia has been absent since Monday.
12. You can’t see him now because he has gone home.
