🎯 Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between the Present Perfect (experience) and the Past Simple (specific event).
- Identify and use time markers associated with each tense correctly.
- Apply both tenses accurately when giving professional updates and answering interview questions.
- Discuss past events and experiences confidently in both workplace and daily conversations.
The Key Question: Is the time specific?
The quickest way to choose the tense is to ask “When did it happen?”
- If the time is specific and finished, use the Past Simple.
- If the time is not mentioned, not important, or the result is relevant now, use the Present Perfect.
Past Simple – The Finished Story
Form: Subject + past verb (worked, saw, went)
Use it for actions that started and finished in the past. The connection to now is not important. Think of it as a photo of one completed moment.
Time markers: yesterday • last week/month/year • in 2019 • five minutes ago • when I was a child
Present Perfect – The Ongoing Story
Form: Subject + have/has + past participle (worked, seen, been)
Use it when the exact time is unknown, unimportant, or when the action still matters now. Think of it as a bridge connecting past experience to the present moment.
- Life/Work Experience: “I've managed several international campaigns.”
- Recent News / Present Results: “I've finished the report.”
- Unfinished Time Periods: “We've had three meetings this week.”
🔑 Tip: If you can answer “When?” with a specific moment, use the Past Simple. If the answer is “I don't know,” “it doesn't matter,” or “sometime before now,” choose the Present Perfect.
Question contrast:
“When did you join the company?” → “I joined in 2020.” (Past Simple)
“Have you ever managed a team?” → “Yes, I have.” (Present Perfect)
📊 Project Updates: “We completed phase one last Tuesday.” (PS) vs. “We've completed all the main tasks this month.” (PP)
📈 Performance Reviews: “I exceeded my target in Q3.” (PS) vs. “I've consistently exceeded my targets for the last two years.” (PP)
🎬 Entertainment: “Did you see the new Bond film?” (PS) vs. “Have you seen the new Bond film?” (PP)
🗞️ Sharing News: “I bought a new car on Saturday.” (PS) vs. “I've bought a new car!” (PP)
✅ Correct Professional & Daily Usage
Specific time vs. general experience.
Finished time marker vs. ongoing ability.
Finished month vs. unfinished period.
Specific visit vs. experience relevant now.
❌ Common Business Mistakes
Listen to a job interview between David (Hiring Manager) and Chloe (Marketing Candidate). Notice when each speaker chooses the Past Simple or the Present Perfect.
David, Hiring Manager at GreenLeaf Organics
David: So, Chloe, thanks for coming in. Your CV looks impressive. You’ve worked with some big brands in the food industry.
Chloe: Yes, that’s right. I’ve managed several national campaigns for organic products. It’s an area I’m passionate about.
David: Excellent. I see you were at “Creative Solutions” before applying here. Tell me about that role. When did you join them?
Chloe: I started there in 2018. It was a fantastic experience. I led a team of three marketing assistants.
David: And when did you leave that position?
Chloe: I left just last month. I decided it was time for a new challenge, which is why I was so excited when I saw this opportunity.
David: I see. Your CV says you have spearheaded a major product launch. Could you tell me more about that specific project?
Chloe: Of course. In 2021, we launched a new line of breakfast cereals. It was a huge success. We increased our market share by 5% in the first six months. I was responsible for the digital strategy.
David: Very impressive. Have you ever worked with influencer marketing? That’s a big focus for us.
Chloe: Yes, I have. On that same project, we collaborated with three well-known food bloggers. The engagement was fantastic, and we learned a lot about performance metrics.
David: That’s great to hear. It seems you’ve had exactly the kind of experience we’re looking for. Do you have any questions for me?
Vocabulary: to spearhead = to lead a project; metrics = measurements you track to evaluate performance.
"_______________ with influencer marketing?"
Exercise 1: Matching Exercise
Match each sentence beginning (1-4) with the correct ending (a-d). Write the matching letter in the box.
1. We've already tested
2. The team delivered the final code
3. I have never worked
4. I spoke to the client
a. on a project with such a tight deadline.
b. the main features, but not the new update.
c. about the issue five minutes ago.
d. on Friday, just before the office closed.
1. I interviewed the first candidate
2. We have received
3. She has worked in this department
4. I have never managed
a. for more than ten years.
b. a recruitment process on my own.
c. yesterday morning at 10 am.
d. over 50 applications for the role so far.
Exercise 2: True / False Grammar Check
Decide if each sentence is grammatically correct. Select True or False.
1. I have hit my monthly target last month.
2. So far this year, we have closed 25 new accounts.
3. When have you contacted that client?
1. The shipment has arrived two hours ago.
2. We haven't had any delivery issues this week.
3. Did you ever use our old tracking system?
Exercise 3: Complete the Dialogue
Use the Past Simple or Present Perfect form of the verb in brackets to complete each conversation.
1. B: (1) ________ you ________ (restart) it yet?
2. A: Yes, I (2) ________ (do) that ten minutes ago.
3. B: Okay. We (3) ________ (have) a few similar issues this morning.
1. A: So, to summarize, we (1) ________ (discuss) the budget and the timeline.
2. B: Yes. And I think we (2) ________ (make) some good progress today.
3. A: I agree. I (3) ________ (send) you a follow-up email yesterday. Did you receive it?
Exercise 4: Transformation
Rewrite each sentence using the word in brackets. Adjust the tense if necessary.
1. I have worked on several key accounts. (last year)
2. We launched a new product line. (recently)
1. I have lived in three different countries. (from 2010 to 2015)
2. She got a promotion. (just)
Use these prompts to get ready for live speaking practice.
Speaking Tasks - Prepare and Practice with Your Teacher:
Create two true sentences about your career: one with the Past Simple and one with the Present Perfect.
Context options: (A) writing a short professional bio, (B) introducing yourself at a conference.
- Past Simple starters: "In 2021, I..." • "At my last company, I..." • "Last year, I..."
- Present Perfect starters: "In my career, I have..." • "I have never..." • "I have recently..."
Prepare to discuss a finished project in a short post-mortem meeting. Be ready to answer your teacher's questions using the correct tense.
- "When did you start the project?" (Past Simple)
- "What was the biggest challenge you faced?" (Past Simple)
- "What important lessons have you learned from the experience?" (Present Perfect)
- "Have you worked on a similar project before?" (Present Perfect)
Choose one topic and speak for 30-60 seconds. Your teacher will listen and ask follow-up questions.
- Your Last Holiday: Describe where you went and what you did (Past Simple), then mention other places you have or haven't visited (Present Perfect).
- A Professional Achievement: Share one specific success from a past job (Past Simple) and connect it to your overall experience (Present Perfect).
🎯 Key Takeaways
Past Simple = Finished Time. Use it when the time is clear or complete (yesterday, last year, in 2020, ago).
Present Perfect = Unfinished Time or No Specific Time. Use it for life/work experience, recent results, and periods that continue now (for, since, ever, never, yet, this week).
📚 Study Tips
- Review meeting minutes: Highlight sentences with finished time markers vs. ongoing updates.
- Tell a project story: Outline the sequence in Past Simple, then add Present Perfect sentences for results that still matter.
- Listen to interviews: Notice questions like "When did you...?" (Past Simple) and answers like "I've always..." (Present Perfect).