SoSe 2009 © 2009, Lee Traynor, MA (Oxon)
EfS Grammar V:Distinguishing Present Perfect from
Past Simple
Although the Present Perfect is often used in other languages as a narrative, it is only used
in English for present results, not events.
SoSe 2009 © 2009, Lee Traynor, MA (Oxon)
EfS Grammar V: Present Perfect/Past Simple
Present Perfect is different from Past Simple
Ich habe dich gestern gesehen…
Er ist vor einer Woche zurückgekehrt…
Wir haben uns 1997 in Paris kennengelernt…
Es hat heute morgen geregnet…
Am Montag haben wir eine Klausur geschrieben…
are not possible in English.
SoSe 2009 © 2009, Lee Traynor, MA (Oxon)
EfS Grammar V: Present Perfect/Past Simple
yesterday, last week, last month ...in 1997on April 23rd
at 6 o’clock this morning2 days agothen, nextbefore, afterwhenwhile
Signal and Structure Words for Narratives
No preposition
Prepositionsin, at, on and agowith time
Simple Past
Past Continuous
SoSe 2009 © 2009, Lee Traynor, MA (Oxon)
EfS Grammar V: Present Perfect/Past Simple
Present Perfect and Simple Past: Use
In brief:
Present Perfect is used for results (Ergebnisse).
Simple Past is used for events (Ereignisse).
Compare and Contrast I
Tom has broken his leg: result. He has to stay at home for 3 weeks.
Tom broke his leg: event. He went to the hospital and was kept for observation…
SoSe 2009 © 2009, Lee Traynor, MA (Oxon)
EfS Grammar V: Present Perfect/Past Simple
I have mislaid my key: result. I’m wondering how to get into my flat.
I mislaid my key: event. But then I found it again.
Has Michael Jackson written an autobiography?: result. If not, he might find some time now.
Did Elvis Presley write an autobiography?: event. If not, then sorry, it's too late, blue suede shoes notwithstanding.
Compare and Contrast II