The Simple Past tense is used to talk about a completed action in a time before now. The Present Perfect, however, is used to talk about things that started in the past and are still happening today, or things that happened at an unspecified time before now. The proper usage and distinction of these tenses can be a bit challenging but with continuous practice, it becomes easier to differentiate and apply.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in Simple Past tense
1. I *played* (play) football yesterday.
2. They *left* (leave) the party early last night.
3. She *studied* (study) for her exams last week.
4. He *drank* (drink) coffee this morning.
5. We *watched* (watch) a movie last night.
6. You *wrote* (write) a letter to your parents yesterday.
7. He *decided* (decide) to quit his job two days ago.
8. I *cooked* (cook) dinner for my family yesterday.
9. They *went* (go) to the cinema last weekend.
10. She *received* (receive) a promotion last month.
11. They *climbed* (climb) the mountain two days ago.
12. He *spoke* (speak) to her about his feelings yesterday.
13. We *lost* (lose) the game last week.
14. You *met* (meet) my brother at the party last night.
15. She *bought* (buy) a new car last week.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in Present Perfect tense
1. I *have seen* (see) that movie twenty times.
2. She *has gone* (go) to the store.
3. They *have lived* (live) in London for two months.
4. We *have been* (be) to the zoo.
5. You *have eaten* (eat) sushi before.
6. He *has understood* (understand) the issue completely.
7. She *has traveled* (travel) to France.
8. We *have learned* (learn) our lessons.
9. They *have forgotten* (forget) their keys.
10. I *have finished* (finish) my work.
11. She *has liked* (like) ice cream since she was a child.
12. You *have started* (start) studying English.
13. He *has tried* (try) to solve the puzzle.
14. I *have known* (know) him for a long time.
15. They *have told* (tell) her the truth.
