Present perfect or past simple?
Use the present perfect for the experience and the past simple for the details: I’ve been to Peru. I went there in 2022.
In this lesson you will
- Choose the present perfect or past simple
- Move from an experience to details
- Recognise finished time expressions
Learn
Present perfect — the experience, no time: I’ve been to Peru. Past simple — details: when, where, how: I went there in 2022. It was amazing.
Conversations often start with the present perfect and continue in the past simple: Have you ever lost your passport? — Yes, I have. I lost it in Madrid last year.
With finished time expressions (yesterday, last week, in 2019, ago, when I was a child) always use the past simple: I saw her yesterday (not I’ve seen her yesterday).
been vs gone: He’s been to Paris (and come back). He’s gone to Paris (he’s there now).
| Present perfect | Past simple |
|---|---|
| I’ve met him. | I met him last week. |
| Have you ever tried it? | When did you try it? |
| no time / unfinished time | finished time |
Examples
- Have you ever been skiing? — Yes, I went last winter.
- She’s written two books. The first one came out in 2020.
- I’ve seen this film. I watched it on the plane.
- Where’s Tom? — He’s gone to the shop.
Vocabulary
details
small facts about something
come out
be published or released
“The book came out in May.”
gone to
went and is still there
once
one time
twice
two times
Practice
I ___ to Spain three times.
Listening: Travel stories
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Priya: Have you ever been to Morocco?
Omar: Yes, I have. I went two years ago with my brother.
Priya: Did you like it?
Omar: I loved it. We stayed in Marrakech and visited the desert.
Priya: I’ve never been to Africa.
Omar: You should go! The food was incredible.
1.Omar has been to Morocco.
2.When did Omar go? (… years ago)
3.Who did he go with?
4.Priya has been to Africa.
Speaking
Choose three experiences. For each: say the experience (present perfect), then give three details (past simple: when, where, what happened).
Writing
Write about a place you’ve been to: start with the present perfect and give details in the past simple (60–80 words).
Lesson quiz
We ___ the new museum on Saturday.
Review
Key points
- Present perfect: experience, no time.
- Past simple: details and finished time.
- been (came back) vs gone (still there).
What you learned
- ✓ I can choose between the two tenses.
- ✓ I can give details about experiences.
- ✓ I use finished time with the past simple.
Grammar reference: Present perfect, Past simple