Simple Past vs. Present Perfect Worksheet
Before you practice using this worksheet, be sure to review the article on simple past or present perfect on our website.
Exercise A
Choose the correct sentence to describe the picture.
1.
a) It is only 9:45, and Harold already sold twelve hot dogs!
b) It is only 9:45, and Harold has already sold twelve hot dogs!
2.
a) I played outside a lot when I was younger.
b) I have played outside a lot when I was younger.
3.
a) You cannot play with your tablet today. You used it for three hours yesterday!
b) You cannot play with your tablet today. You have used it for three hours yesterday!
4.
a) Did you check your mail this week? It is already Thursday!
b) Have you checked your mail this week? It is already Thursday!
5.
a) I had my first cup of coffee at 5:30 this morning.
b) I have had my first cup of coffee at 5:30 this morning.
6.
a) So far, I finished half of the things on my to-do list.
b) So far, I have finished half of the things on my to-do list.
7.
a) I played that computer game last year!
b) I have played that computer game last year!
8.
a) Edith knitted four scarves this week. She wants to knit three more by next week.
b) Edith has knitted four scarves this week. She wants to knit three more by next week.
9.
a) Did you decide what to do about your work situation yet?
b) Have you decided what to do about your work situation yet?
10.
a) He is a famous engineer. He wrote two design manuals already.
b) He is a famous engineer. He has written two design manuals already.
Exercise B
Match the sentences below with the sentences in each exercise to complete the idea.
a) Unfortunately, they have lost all of them!
b) She has learned to organize a lot of different tasks in that time.
c) All of the musicians played their instruments very well.
d) He has described it in exactly the same way each time, too!
e) I hope no one has had dinner yet!
f) She still has not figured out where she is!
g) Has the company checked all of the information in those documents?
h) He knows that you will be late to class today.
i) He has about twenty left to deliver.
j) I thought about it for hours, but I did not find an answer.
1.
Elaine has checked her map six times.
2.
The band performed last week in front of a big audience.
3.
That reporter has told the same story three times this week!
4.
I have called your teacher, Johnny.
5.
Brad's favorite team has played seven games so far this season.
6.
Natalie has worked as a personal assistant for three years.
7.
You asked me a very difficult question yesterday.
8.
Kip has delivered half of his newspapers so far.
9.
I have filled out all of the forms and paperwork!
10.
I have made lots of pasta for everyone!
Exercise C
Complete the sentences using the verb in parentheses in the present perfect or the simple past.
1.
Beth ____________ (play) the piano since she was a little girl.
2.
In the performance last night, the clown __________ (make) everyone laugh.
3.
Where are my keys? I am sure I ____________ (put) them in my purse this morning!
4.
I am sure you ___________ (look) at cars before, but I have the best cars in the whole world!
5.
I _____________ (ask) the same question four times, but I still do not understand.
6.
This is so strange. I ___________ (change) the batteries in the remote control last week, but it is not working!
7.
At the end of last year, Nina __________ (make) a list of all the things she wanted to improve.
8.
Ned is organizing the safety regulations. He ___________ (place) almost all of the signs already.
9.
James __________ (want) to be an astronaut ever since he first read about the moon landing.
10.
Poor Tom __________ (fall) down yesterday. He is all right, though.
