Ana is having a problem with English tenses. She decides to ask a teacher, Bob, if he can help her.
Ana: Bob, I have a problem. Can you help me?
Bob: Sure. What's the matter?
Ana: I don't know when to use "I saw" and "I've seen." I know there's a difference, but I can't figure out what it is. Do you know?
Bob: Oh, yes. That's really quite easy. Let me try to explain it.
Ana: Great!
Bob: OK. Have you studied this before?
Ana: Yes, a little.
Bob: When did you study it?
Ana: Last week. Is that important?
Bob: It's very important. My first question was a general one, so I used the Present Perfect, "have you studied?" My second question was more specific, asking you WHEN, so I used the Past Simple, "when did you study?"
Ana: So the time is important?
Bob: Yes. The time makes all the difference. When you're not interested in when something happened, or if you don't know, you use the Present Perfect. However, if the time is important, or if you know when something happened, use the Past Simple.
Ana: Can you give me another example?
Bob: Of course. Have you ever driven a bus?
Ana: No, I haven't.
Bob: Have you ever eaten pizza?
Ana: Yes, I have.
Bob: When did you last eat pizza?
Ana: I ate pizza a few days ago.
Bob: Now do you see the difference?
Ana: Hmmm. Yes, I think I understand now.
Bob: Either you're a very good student or I'm an excellent teacher!
PRESENT PERFECT vs. PAST SIMPLE
ResponderEliminar1. THE PROBLEM
Ana is having a problem with English tenses. She decides to ask a teacher, Bob, if he can help her.
Ana: Bob, I have a problem. Can you help me?
Bob: Sure. What's the matter?
Ana: I don't know when to use "I saw" and "I've seen." I know there's a difference, but I can't figure out what it is. Do you know?
Bob: Oh, yes. That's really quite easy. Let me try to explain it.
Ana: Great!
Bob: OK. Have you studied this before?
Ana: Yes, a little.
Bob: When did you study it?
Ana: Last week. Is that important?
Bob: It's very important. My first question was a general one, so I used the Present Perfect, "have you studied?" My second question was more specific, asking you WHEN, so I used the Past Simple, "when did you study?"
Ana: So the time is important?
Bob: Yes. The time makes all the difference. When you're not interested in when something happened, or if you don't know, you use the Present Perfect. However, if the time is important, or if you know when something happened, use the Past Simple.
Ana: Can you give me another example?
Bob: Of course. Have you ever driven a bus?
Ana: No, I haven't.
Bob: Have you ever eaten pizza?
Ana: Yes, I have.
Bob: When did you last eat pizza?
Ana: I ate pizza a few days ago.
Bob: Now do you see the difference?
Ana: Hmmm. Yes, I think I understand now.
Bob: Either you're a very good student or I'm an excellent teacher!
Ana: Maybe both….
Bob: Thanks….I think!