Present perfect and past simple tenses	

Present perfect simple : different uses

Here are three common concepts expressed by the present perfect :

	1	Something that happened at some unspecified time in someone's life 
		(or other period of time that continues up until the present)
	2	Something that started in the past and continues up until now
	3	Something that happened in the past and has some result or relevance to 		the present.

Examples:

	I've been to Japan. (1 above)
	i.e. I went to Japan at some time in my life. We don't know when or how many 	times. 

	I've lived here for five years. (2 above)
	i.e. I moved here five years ago and I still live here now

	I've spilt some tea. (3 above)
	i.e. You recently spilt some tea. There's tea on the floor. It needs cleaning up

Match the following examples to the concepts above

	a.	She's lived here for five years
	b.	I've never eaten oysters
	c. 	I've lost my glasses
	d.	Have you ever been to Australia?
	e.	I've known him since I was a child
	f.	He's broken his arm

Match a sentence on the left with an explanation on the right.

They've bought a new flat.	He's in the restaurant now.	
We've had it for a year.	They bought it recently. This is news.	
He's gone to lunch.	I met him when I was at school and we are still in touch.	
He's been to lunch.	
	This happened at a specific time in the past.	
I've known him since I was at school.	I met him when I was at school but we are no longer in touch.	
I knew him when I was at school.	This happened at some time in my life	
I went to Australia on holiday.	Lunch is over. He's back in the office.	
I've been to Australia.	We bought it a year ago and we still 	have it.	

Choose the correct verb forms and then ask your partner the questions.

How long are you doing / did you do / have you done your present job?

How long did you do  / have you done the job before that?

Did you have / have you had dinner yet?

Did you ever / have you ever played truant when you were at school?

How many hours did you work / have you worked today?

How many countries have you visited / did you visit?

Where did you go / have you been the last time you went abroad?

How long have you stayed / did you stay there?

Tell me everything you have eaten / you ate today?

Did you do / have you done any physical exercise recently?
Answers

They've bought a new flat.	They bought it recently. This is news.	
We've had it for a year.	We bought it a year ago and we still 	have it.	
He's gone to lunch.	He's in the restaurant now.	
He's been to lunch.	
	Lunch is over. He's back in the office.	
I've known him since I was at school.	I met him when I was at school and we are still in touch.	
I knew him when I was at school.	I met him when I was at school but we are no longer in touch.	
I went to Australia on holiday.	This happened at a specific time in the past.	
I've been to Australia.	This happened at some time in my life	

Choose the correct verb forms and then ask your partner the questions.

How long are you doing / did you do / have you done your present job?

How long did you do  / have you done the job before that?

Did you have / have you had dinner yet?

Did you ever / have you ever played truant when you were at school?

How many hours did you work / have you worked today?

How many countries have you visited / did you visit?

Where did you go / have you been the last time you went abroad?

How long have you stayed / did you stay there?

Tell me everything you have eaten / you ate today?

Did you do / have you done any physical exercise recently?