Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #130611: Preterite & Present Perfect

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Preterite & Present Perfect - English lesson

Mastering the Preterite and the Present Perfect - English Lesson

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Preterite (Past Simple)
➡️ When to use it?
The Past Simple is used to talk about completed actions in the past. Usually, we know exactly when it happened.
Common time expressions: *yesterday, last year, in 2005, two days ago, when I was a child...*

Examples:
I went to Paris last year.
She finished her homework yesterday.
They watched a movie two days ago.

➡️ How to form it?
- Regular verbs: verb + *-ed* (Example: *play* → *played*)
- Irregular verbs: You need to learn them (Example: *go* → *went*)

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Used to talk about actions completed in the past, usually linked to a specific time (yesterday, last year, in 2005, etc.).

**Examples:**
I went to Paris last year.
She finished her homework yesterday.

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Present Perfect
➡️ When to use it?
The Present Perfect is used to talk about:

- life experiences (without saying when),
- recent actions,
- situations that started in the past and still continue.

Common markers:
- already
- just
- never
- ever
- yet
- for (+ duration)
- since (+ starting point)

Examples:
I have visited Paris three times. (life experience)
She has just finished her homework. (recent action)
We have lived in London for five years. (it's still true)

➡️ How to form it?
Subject + *have/has* + past participle

I have eaten breakfast.
She has finished her work.

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GOOD LUCK!

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1. I have visited London several times.

2. They have just watched a movie.

3. They played soccer last weekend.

4. I went to the cinema today.

5. In 1987 I was the best player on my team.

6. When I was little I played video games.

7. We were fans of Michael Jackson.

8. She has already cooked dinner.

9. We have just arrived.

10. We saw a great movie yesterday.

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