Present Perfect vs Past Simple: Easy Guide + Bali Travel Story

Rose Sensei
Nov 24
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Learners often mix up Present Perfect and Past Simple because both talk about the past.

But the key difference is simple:

Present Perfect connects the past to now.
Past Simple talks about a finished moment in the past.

Let’s break it down in an easy, story-friendly way.

Travel-themed collage with text "Present Perfect vs Past Simple." Includes two women chatting at a café, photos, a straw hat, and tropical elements.

🎥 Check out the YouTube video with voice narration for listening practice:

👉Present Perfect vs Past Simple: Easy Guide + Bali Travel Story

Quiz Shorts Video:

👉 Present Perfect or Past Simple#1?

👉 Present Perfect or Past Simple#2?

🎯The Present Perfect vs Past Simple - Difference

1. Present Perfect = Experiences, changes, or results up to now

🧁 We use it for:

✔ Life experiences

e.g. I have visited Bali three times.

✔ Recently completed actions

e.g. She has just arrived.

✔ Unfinished time periods

e.g. They have eaten out a lot this week. (This week is still happening.)

2. Past Simple = Finished time in the past

🍹 We use it for:

✔ Completed events

e.g. I visited Bali in 2019.

✔ Specific time words

yesterday / last night / in 2010 / two days ago

✔ Finished time period

e.g. We stayed in Ubud last year.

3. Quick Comparison Table

Use	Present Perfect	Past Simple
Life experiences	I’ve been to Bali twice.	I went there last year.
Finished time	❌	I booked the trip two months ago.
Unfinished time (this week/month/year)	She has spent a lot this week.	❌
Result now	I’ve lost my passport!	I lost my passport yesterday.

4. Story: 🌴 “Maya’s Bali Weekend”

Maya has just returned from a short trip to Bali, and her friend Hana can’t wait to hear everything.

Hana: “So… how was it? Have you visited Bali before?”

Maya: “Yes! I went there five years ago with my sister, but this trip has been my favourite.”

She shows Hana her photos:

She has discovered a tiny café overlooking rice fields.
She has met a local artist who makes natural dye prints.
She has tried a sunrise yoga class for the first time.

Hana laughs, “You look so relaxed!”

Maya nods.

“I went to the beach every evening. One day, I watched the sunset alone, and it was magical.”

Hana smiles, already opening her calendar.

“Okay… we have talked about this enough. I’m booking a trip. I need that Bali glow!”

📩 Free PDF Download

➡️ Present Perfect vs Past Simple Practice Worksheet

5. Practice Questions.

👉Choose Present Perfect or Past Simple.

She ______ (buy) a new swimsuit last weekend.
I ______ (never try) Balinese coffee.
We ______ (meet) at the airport two hours ago.
Maya ______ (take) amazing photos this trip.
They ______ (be) to Bali three times.

Answers:

bought
have never tried
met
has taken
have been

🗣️Mini Speaking Practice

Ask and answer with a partner:

Have you ever travelled alone?
🗣️
____________________________________
What places did you visit last year?
🗣️
____________________________________
What new activities have you tried recently?
🗣️
____________________________________
What food did you eat on your last holiday?
🗣️