Past simple Vs present perfect?

   Share on Facebook  
TOMARA  #574138  Tue, 07 Oct 08 04:04 PM



hello

Id like  to know the difference in meaning between past simple and present perfect:

I have eaten
I ate

thanks in advanc

TOMARA
  
Not Ranked
Joined on Tue, Oct 7 2008
New Member (02)
Clive  #574145  Tue, 07 Oct 08 04:26 PM
Hi Tomora,
Welcome to the Forum.
Here's the basic idea.

Id like  to know the difference in meaning between past simple and present perfect:

I have eaten I'm telling you about an event in the past because it has importance right now. eg I'm not hungry.

I ate              I'm just telling you about an event in the past.

Best wishes, Clive.
  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
Veteran Member (22,568)
ModeratorTeachers
El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
TOMARA  #574149  Tue, 07 Oct 08 04:36 PM
thanks Clive

I see
now it becomes clear but with some verbs
what about verbs other than action verbs (eat, sleep, walk)
I mean verbs like: think, imagine, remember..etc

I'm confused &feel there is no difference

what do you think?
  
Clive  #574314  Wed, 08 Oct 08 01:10 AM
Hi,

Let's look at 'remember' as an example.
Simple Past - Last Wednesday, I couldn't find my car keys. But the next day, I remembered where I put them.

Present Perfect - I have remembered where I put my car keys. Now we can go for a drive!

In my earlier post, I just tried to give you the general idea of these two tenses. There is much more detail about the various meanings and ways to use the Present Perfect. I suggest that you look at these in your grammar book. You can also find lots of interesting discussions if you search this forum for 'Present Perfect'.

Best wishes, Clive

  
CalifJim  #574397  Wed, 08 Oct 08 08:42 AM
Generally in any sentence, with the present perfect you are talking about something as if it were somewhere in a clearly visible field; with the past you are talking about something as if it were on the other side of a thick wall you cannot see through.  Smile

See Re: Present Perfect and Past Simple.

See Re: Present Perfect&Past Simple.

See Re: simple past vs present perfect.

CJ 

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member (17,792)
ModeratorProficient Speaker
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service