0
Offroad Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect vs simple past

Dear teachers...

We use Present Perfect to talk abour things that took place:

  • during a period that includes past and present:
They've been waiting here for an hour.

  • in the past, but we're not saying exactly when:
Don't tell me he's bought another new car!

  • in the past with an effect or result in the present:
I'm afraid I've forgotten my key.

  • with the time adverb just meaning 'a short time ago':
She's just gone out.

My question is: In which of them the simple past is also possible without changing the meaning?

Many thanks
  

Top answer

The meanings of the following pairs are approximately the same. The present perfect may be felt to connect the statement slightly more strongly with the present, but the difference is not great: Don't tell me he's bought another new car! Don't tell me he bought another new car!

— Mr Wordy

  • The meanings of the following pairs are approximately the same.
  • The present perfect may be felt to connect the statement slightly more strongly with the present, but the difference is not great: Don't tell me he's bought another new car!
  • Don't tell me he bought another new car!
  • I'm afraid I've forgotten my key.
  • I'm afraid I forgot my key.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
The meanings of the following pairs are approximately the same. The present perfect may be felt to connect the statement slightly more strongly with the present, but the difference is not great:



Don't tell me he's bought another new car!

Don't tell me he bought another new car!



I'm afraid I've forgotten my key.

0

Related Questions