English exercises / B1 / Verbs & tensesFinished time or not? The single most common intermediate slip.
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Past simple vs present perfect
Look at the time, not the event. If the period is finished: yesterday, last week, in 2019: use the past simple. If it is unfinished or unstated, use the present perfect. “I saw her yesterday” but “I have seen her” with no time attached at all.
Read the full explanationPresent perfect vs past simple: worked examples
Five from the set, with the answer filled in and the rule that decides it.
- 01
Have you ever eaten sushi?
ever asks about your whole life up to now → present perfect.
- 02
My sister has never flown abroad, this is her first time on a plane.
- 03
Guess what: Sam has just passed his driving test!
just announces news with no time mentioned → present perfect.
- 04
I've broken my arm. It happened when I fell off my bike yesterday.
Give the news in the present perfect, then the details in the past.
- 05
Don't take the plates away: I haven't finished eating yet.
yet in a negative sentence goes with the present perfect.