LoginPresent Perfect vs. Past Perfect
What is Their Main Difference?
The main difference between present perfect and past perfect is that present perfect focuses on actions that are linked to the present, whereas the past perfect refers to actions that happened before another action in the past. Furthermore, present perfect uses "have" or "has" plus the past participle, while past perfect uses "had" plus the past participle.
Uses and Comparison
1. State of Action
As mentioned earlier, present perfect focuses on events that recently started or started in the past but have relevance or connection to the present. It often emphasizes the result or effect of the action on the present. Past perfect describes actions that have been performed and finished before another action or event in the past.
She had gone to New York.
Here, we are referring to an action that happened in the past and is already finished.
She has gone to New York.
Here, we are referring to an action that probably started a while ago and is still ongoing.
Relevance vs. Sequence
Present Perfect connects a past action with the present moment, focusing on the result or experience that is relevant now. Past Perfect sets up a sequence of past actions, with one action happening before the other. It's often used to show the order of events in the past.
I had called my mother before I cooked dinner.
Here, we are talking about two actions that has been done in order.
I can't call Gina. I have lost my phone.
Here, we are referring to an action and its consequence.
Structure
So far, we have discussed the difference in usage of these two tenses. Now, let's explore their structures.
2. Past Perfect Tense
Past perfect tense is formed when the subject is followed by "had" (which stays the same for all subjects), and then the past participle of the verb.
You had gone too far.
She had pierced her ear.
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly demonstrates the present perfect tense?
I had already eaten breakfast before I left for work.
She has visited Paris several times.
They will have finished the project by next week.
He was reading a book when the phone rang.
Which sentence uses the past perfect tense?
He has completed his homework.
I will have called you by then.
We are planning to visit the park later.
She had left the office before the meeting started.
Which of the following best describes the function of the past perfect tense?
To describe an action that happened before another action in the past.
To connect a past action to the present moment.
To refer to an action that will happen in the future.
To focus on the result of a past action in the present.
Which of the following sentences use present perfect tense? (Three options are correct.)
She has completed her homework.
He had left the office before I arrived.
They have been to London twice this year.
I have lost my keys, so I can't unlock the door.
I had written the report before the deadline.
Unscramble the sentence to form a correct past perfect sentence:
Match the scrambled sentences with the correct ending based on their structure and meaning:
Match the sentences with the correct tense:
Fill in the blanks with have/has/had to form the correct tense in each sentence.
I
already eaten dinner before they arrived.
He
finished the project, so now he's free to take a break.
She
visited the museum several times, so she knew the exhibits very well.
By the time the movie started, we
found our seats.
After she
read the book, she watched the movie adaptation.
Complete the table by filling in the blanks with the correct the required form of the verb (have/has/had) or the correct tense (Present Perfect or Past Perfect).
| sentence | tense |
|---|---|
She visited the zoo. | Present Perfect |
They had left already. | Perfect |
I have seen that movie. | Perfect |
We finished dinner. | Past Perfect |
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