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1.Present
Perfect
is frequently used to open conversation, to introduce a new topic.
If the conversation continues on the same subject Past
Simple
refers to definite circumstances (time, causes, purpose, manner)
(пример
судебного
процесса):
e.g.-What
have
you done?
-I’ve
done much.
I washed
my shirt, pressed
my pants,…
-Pussy
Cat, where have you been? – I’ve been to London to look at the
Queen
-Pussy
Cat, what did you do there? – I frightened a little mouse under
the chair.
Compare:
Indefinite article
Present Perfect. Definite article
Past Simple
e.g.
I saw a
man. The
man was tall.
Even
when we’re giving news, if we can’t make a sentence in present
about the situation Past
Simple is used:
e.g. Granny hit me!
Even
if there’s no time indication in the initial sentence, Past
Simple refers to
happenings which are definite in the mind of the speaker. (the
situation is well-known to the listener):
e.g.
Did you sleep well? Did you hear what he said?
I
didn’t understand. Did you have a good trip?
Did
you see the accident? I’m sorry I lost my temper.
Did
you enjoy the play?
(the day after the play)
Have
you enjoyed the play?
(at the end of the play)
2.Past
Simple is
used with TODAY,
TONIGHT, THIS WEEK (MONTH, YEAR)
when they are over. If they are not, Present
Perfect
is used.
e.g.
Did you see him this morning? ( asked in the evening)
Have you seen
him this morning? (asked in the same morning)
Sometimes
the Place where the action was performed points to a past period:
e.g.
Did you see him in the theatre? (when you were at the theatre)
3.Indefinite
time adverbs can be used not only with Present
Perfect:
e.g.
He never touched the piano. (Past Simple)
His room wasn’t
yet furnished. (Past Simple)
He
noticed that leaves were already beginning to turn yellow. (Past
Progressive)
JUST
NOW
requires Past
Simple
e.g.
I told you just now I didn’t see her there.
4.The
period of duration “FOR”
-Present
Perfect (connection
with the present) e.g. He’s lived like this for 15
years.
-Past
Simple
(belongs to the past)
e.g.
I worked at school for 5 years, then I decided to become a
manager.
Present
Perfect is never used (and Past Simple is used instead):
1)When
the exact time is indicated:
yesterday,
2 hours ago, in 1978, when I did
e.g.
They played football yesterday.
2)
Historic events:
e.g. The battle of Hastings took place in 1066
3)
In
questions:
-When:
e.g.
When did you see this man?
-How:
e.g.
How did you find me?
-Where e.g. Where
did they live? Where were you? (fact
asking)
!!!
Where have you been?
(as soon as the person comes back)
Where
have you been all this time?
WHO,
WHAT, WHAT … FOR, HOW LONG ?
Present Perfect
Past Simple
(If
reference is made to the present situation) (definite
past in the speaker’s mind chain of questions)
What have I done against you?
What did
he do?
How
long did you stay there?
How long have you been alone?
Special
Uses
1.Now
I understand.
= теперь я
понял
I’m
told
that
… =
Мне
сказали,
что
… (Present
Simple instead of
I
hear Bob’s bought a new car
=
Я
слышал
Боб
купил
новую
машину.
Present Perfect)
She
is gone
=
Она
уехала.
The
lesson is over.
=
Урок окончен.
2.Long
may be used in between Present Perfect with attitudinal,
belief-assumption verbs:
e.g.
I have long
admired his car. He has long
though
of retiring.
3.Since
when is used
to inquire about the starting point:
e.g.
Since when have you known him?
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