Learning English

Making the present perfect and the past simple

...and hopefully they will both be simpler by the time you work through this activity. Here is a summary of how to make both these verb forms in positive, negative and question forms. Read it through, then try the verb form quiz to see if you are a grammar master!

Read the text and complete the activity

Present perfect

The present perfect is made of two parts: the present form of the verb 'have' and the past participle of the main verb.

Positive form

subject + have + past participle

I have lived here for two years. I've lived here for two years.
We have lived together for one year. We've lived together for one year.
You have started dating that guy. You've started dating that guy.
They have been together much longer. They've been together much longer.

He has started seeing that girl. He's started seeing that girl.
She has forgiven him again. She's forgiven him again.

Negative form

subject + haven't/hasn't + past participle

I haven't been in a relationship for years.
We haven't lived together very long.
You haven't moved in together yet.
They haven't been on holiday together.

He hasn't dated anyone else.
She hasn't been married before.
It hasn't been a great time for them.

Question form

Have/Has + subject + past participle

Have I seen you somewhere before?
Have you asked her out?
Have we been married twenty-five years already?
Have they started dating?

Hashe really dated her sister as well?
Has she seen anyone else lately?
Has it been long since you called her?

Past simple

With the past simple the form is the same for all persons (I/you/he/she/it/we/they). Regular verbs end -ed but irregular verbs have their own past forms.

Positive form

I met my wife in France.
You arrived early.
We wanted to go to the movies together.
They organised a special holiday for their anniversary.
He dated three women before meeting his wife.
She thought he was the one.
It seemed like a perfect relationship.

Negative form

subject + did not / didn't + verb

I did not (didn't) meet her in Spain.
You did not (didn't) see him again.
We did not (didn't) want to move in with his parents.
They did not (didn't) want a flashy wedding ceremony.
He did not (didn't) get anything for their anniversary.
She did not (didn't) tell him about her problem.
It did not (didn't) end well.

Questions

Did + subject + verb

Did I tell you about my new girlfriend?
Did you ask him out?
Did we book that band for the wedding reception?
Did they really run away together?
Did he propose on holiday?
Did she like her ring?
Did it rain on your honeymoon?

To do

Try out this verb form quiz - can you choose the correct words to complete these sentences and questions?

Next

You've had a good look at the present perfect and past simple now. You've checked the meaning and tested what you know about the form. 6 Minute Grammar is coming up - our presenters will help you put it all together.