Past Simple vs. Present Perfect Worksheets and Exercises

Mastering the difference between the Past Simple and the Present Perfect is one of the most important skills for English learners. These two verb tenses often confuse students because they both refer to past actions—but in very different ways.

In this guide, you’ll find clear explanations and practical exercises that help you understand when to use each tense correctly. From fill-in-the-blanks to rewrite tasks and time-expression challenges, these activities will strengthen your grammar skills and build your confidence in everyday English.

Whether you’re a beginner or reviewing for an exam, these exercises are designed to make learning simple, natural, and effective.

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect Worksheets

Common Time Expressions for Past Simple vs Present Perfect

Understanding time expressions is essential when choosing between the Past Simple and the Present Perfect. Certain words strongly signal which tense should be used.

Vocabulary	IPA (US)	Short Description
already	/ɔːlˈredi/	Used in present perfect to show that something happened earlier than expected.
yet	/jet/	Used in negative or questions in present perfect to ask if something has happened.
since	/sɪns/	Shows the starting point of an action that continues until now.
for	/fɔːr/	Indicates duration of time (for two years, for a week).
just	/dʒʌst/	Used with present perfect to describe a very recent action.
yesterday	/ˈjestərdeɪ/	A clear signal for past simple because the time is finished.
last night	/læst naɪt/	Used with past simple because it refers to a completed time in the past.
ago	/əˈgoʊ/	Indicates a specific time in the past and requires past simple.
recently	/ˈriːsəntli/	Often used with present perfect to talk about events in the near past.
so far	/soʊ fɑːr/	Describes something that has happened up until now.

Related: Irregular Verbs List

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect Exercises

Exercise Type 1: Choose the Correct Tense

Choose: Past Simple or Present Perfect.

1. I (lost / have lost) my wallet. I still can’t find it.
2. She (went / has gone) to Paris last year.
3. They (have lived / lived) in London since 2020.
4. We (have finished / finished) dinner a minute ago.
5. He (has never seen / never saw) a lion before.
6. I (met / have met) Anna at the café yesterday.
7. My brother (has broken / broke) his leg. He is still in hospital.
8. The movie (started / has started) at 7 p.m.
9. She (has studied / studied) English for five years.
10. We (have visited / visited) Japan twice.

Exercise Type 2: Fill in the Blank

Use Past Simple or Present Perfect.

1. I ______ (not be) to New York.
2. She ______ (clean) her room yesterday.
3. They ______ (finish) their homework already.
4. We ______ (see) him at the party last night.
5. He ______ (drive) this car for two years.
6. My parents ______ (travel) to Italy in 2019.
7. She ______ (not call) me yet.
8. I ______ (break) a glass this morning.
9. The kids ______ (grow) so much this year.
10. Tom ______ (leave) the office an hour ago.

Exercise Type 3: Time Expressions

Choose Past Simple or Present Perfect using the time words.

1. I haven’t seen him ______ (since / yesterday).
2. We went to the cinema ______ (last night / already).
3. She has worked here ______ (for three years / last year).
4. They moved to this house ______ (two years ago / recently).
5. I’ve read that book ______ (already / last week).
6. He visited his grandmother ______ (yet / last Sunday).
7. She hasn’t finished her project ______ (yet / yesterday).
8. I’ve known him ______ (since 2015 / last weekend).
9. We played football ______ (just / yesterday afternoon).
10. She has just arrived ______ (just / two days ago).

Exercise Type 4: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite using Present Perfect or Past Simple while keeping the same meaning.

1. I last saw him two days ago → I ______ him for two days.
2. She started working here in 2021 → She ______ here since 2021.
3. We finished our homework already → We ______ our homework.
4. They moved to Canada in 2010 → They ______ in Canada since 2010.
5. He has known Sarah for a long time → He first ______ Sarah years ago.
6. I bought this computer last year → I ______ this computer since last year.
7. She hasn’t eaten anything today → She ______ anything today.
8. They visited us yesterday → They ______ us recently.
9. I’ve studied English for five years → I started ______ English five years ago.
10. He washed the car a minute ago → He ______ just ______ the car.

Exercise Type 5: Identify the Tense

Decide if the sentence is Past Simple or Present Perfect.

1. She has broken her phone.
2. They watched a movie last night.
3. I have never been to Canada.
4. He visited his aunt last weekend.
5. We have just eaten lunch.
6. The teacher gave us a quiz yesterday.
7. I’ve lived here my whole life.
8. She finished the report two hours ago.
9. They have already left.
10. He called me in the morning.

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Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. have lost
2. went
3. have lived
4. finished
5. has never seen
6. met
7. has broken
8. started
9. has studied
10. have visited

Exercise 2

1. haven’t been
2. cleaned
3. have finished
4. saw
5. has driven
6. traveled
7. hasn’t called
8. broke
9. have grown
10. left

Exercise 3

1. since
2. last night
3. for three years
4. two years ago
5. already
6. last Sunday
7. yet
8. since 2015
9. yesterday afternoon
10. just

Exercise 4

1. haven’t seen
2. has worked
3. have already finished
4. have lived
5. met
6. have had
7. hasn’t eaten
8. have visited
9. studying
10. has just washed

Exercise 5

1. Present Perfect
2. Past Simple
3. Present Perfect
4. Past Simple
5. Present Perfect
6. Past Simple
7. Present Perfect
8. Past Simple
9. Present Perfect
10. Past Simple

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