Fill in the blanks with a simple past or present perfect tense form.
1. I ......................................... him since last week.
The present perfect is common with the time expressions since and for.
2. It .......................................... for hours.
Use the present perfect if it is still raining.
3. The train ...................................... 5 minutes ago.
The simple past is used to talk about finished events.
4. She .......................................... from Madras University.
The simple past is the most common tense for talking about past events.
5. She ..................................... homeless since she lost her job.
The present perfect is used to talk about actions or situations that started in the past and has continued up to the present.
6. What ........................................ then?
We use the simple past with time expressions referring to the past.
7. I ...................................... the parcel in the morning.
We use the simple past with past time expressions.
8. I ........................................ the letters.
When there is no time reference, we are more likely to use a present perfect for recently finished actions and situations.
9. They .......................................... the contract last week.
10. It ........................................ yesterday.
We use the simple past with past time expressions.
11. The train ............................................ yet.
The present perfect is more common with the expressions yet, already etc.
12. I ......................................... to Australia.
The present perfect is more common with the expressions never and ever.
Answers
1. I have not seen him since last week.
2. It has rained for hours.
3. The train left 5 minutes ago.
4. She graduated from Madras University.
5. She has been homeless since she lost her job.
6. What did you do then?
7. I sent the parcel in the morning.
8. I have posted the letters.
9. They signed the contract last week.
10. It rained yesterday.
11. The train has not arrived yet.
12. I have never been to Australia.
