Past Simple vs Present Perfect: Learn with a Story + Quiz!
- Rose Sensei
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Are you confused between "I saw her" and "I have seen her"? You're not alone!
In this post, we’ll make it fun and easy to understand the difference between the Past Simple and Present Perfect through a short story, grammar tips, and a mini quiz. Perfect for ESL learners at Pre-Intermediate level and above!
📚Short Story: The Surprise Guest (Past Simple vs Present Perfect)
Last weekend, Mia cleaned her small flat in London. She washed the dishes, vacuumed the floor, and even baked a chocolate cake. She was expecting a special visitor.
At exactly 4 p.m., the doorbell rang. Mia opened the door and smiled.
“Emma! You’re early!”
Emma stepped inside and laughed. “I haven’t seen you in months!”
“I know!” Mia said. “So much has happened since your trip to Italy!”
Emma looked around. “Wow, you have redecorated the living room!”
Mia poured some tea. “Yes, I changed the curtains last week, and I have bought some new cushions. Do you like them?”
“They’re beautiful,” Emma said. “And that cake smells amazing!”
“It’s still warm. I just took it out of the oven.”
They sat down, smiled, and talked for hours — as if no time had passed.
Grammar Focus: Past Simple vs Present Perfect
Sentence | Tense | Why? |
"Mia cleaned her flat." | Past Simple | Specific time: last weekend |
"I haven’t seen you in months!" | Present Perfect | No exact time – focuses on result |
"You redecorated the room." | Past Simple | Completed action in the past |
"You have redecorated the room!" | Present Perfect | Recent change, result is visible |
"I just took it out of the oven." | Past Simple | Focus on the past action (moment ago) |
Let's test your Past Simple vs Present Perfect!
🎯 Mini Quiz: Choose the Correct Answer
1. Emma ______ to London last summer.
A) has travelled B) travelled C) was travelling
2. I ______ that cake before — it smells delicious!
A) tried B) have tried C) try
3. She ______ the living room last week.
A) has redecorated B) redecorated C) is redecorating
4. We ______ each other since college!
A) have known B) knew C) know
Answers:
B)
B)
B)
A)
💬 Practice Time!
What have you done this week?
⬇️Write your own sentence in the comments below using Present Perfect!
🎁 Free Download:
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📌Check out related Grammar and Quiz videos:
🎥 YouTube Channel Playlist
🔗Learn Grammar Through Engaging Stories https://tinyurl.com/bvwvckfu
🔗Grammar Challenge - Test Your English Skills https://tinyurl.com/y23ajb24
🔗Learn Vocabulary Through Engaging Stories https://tinyurl.com/23wz3zb8
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📌Check out more Past Simple and Present Perfect related posts below👇
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