Past and Present Perfect Flashcards
Time expressions that refer to the present can be used with Past simple or Present Perfect.
This morning, week, month, today.
I didn’t shave this morning. (the morning is over).
I haven’t shaved this morning (it is still morning and I might shave later).
With SINCE, use PAST in the time clause and Present Perfect in the main clause.
She hasn’t been able to play tennis since she broke her arm.
SINCE can be used with both verbs in present perfect if the action continues to the present.
Have you met anyone since you have lived here?
Time clauses introduced by AFTER, WHEN, UNTIL, AS SOON AS, ONCE, BY THE TIME, THE MINUTE, SECOND/MOMENT, the PAST refers to past and present perfect refers to future.
After she left hospital, she had a long holiday.
After Lucas has left school (future), he will travel to India.
In News, use present perfect to start the news and PAST to give details.
American woman has become the first woman to contribute to Wikipedia. Ellen started the site eight years ago.
After IT/THIS/THAT, IS/WILL BE THE FIRST TIME, use Present Perfect.
After IT/THIS/THAT, WAS THE FIRST TIME, use PAST Perfect.
It won’t be the first time she has voted against the government.
It was the first time I had talked to Dimitra outside the office.
