Different between Simple Past and Present Perfect

·         Different Between Simple Past And Present Perfect

For people who learn tenses in the first time, usually always feel confused with the differences between "Simple Past Tense" and "Present Perfect Tense". Because both of them have the same function which is to tell the past event. So when we were talking sometimes feel confused to choose which one we will use.

·         Simple Past Tense

(+)S + VERB 2 + O + ADVERB OF TIME (keterangan waktu)
Xeni went to Jogja yesterday
(-)S + DID + NOT + V1 + O +ADVERB OF TIME
Xeni did not go to Jogja yesterday
(?)DID + S + V 1 + O + ADVERB OF TIME
Did Xeni go to Jogja yesterday?

·         Present Perfect Tense

      

(+) S + HAVE/ HAS + VERB 3 + O
Ouwono has bought car
(-) S + HAVE/ HAS + NOT + VERB 3 + O
Ouwono has not bought car
(?) HAVE/HAS + S + V3 + O?
Has Ouwono bought car?

·         The Meaning of Simple Past and Present Perfect

Sentences above are different Simple Past Tense dan Present Perfect Tense :

A. To talk about the Simple Past
Simple Past tense is often seen with a time expression explaining when the activity  took place or how long it listed.

B. To talk about the Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect is a grammatical combination of the present perfect aspect that is used to express a past event that has present consequences.

·         What is difference ?

Present perfect simple is unfinished actions that started in the past and continue to the present. Example :

I have known Ox for 2 years ( and I still know her )

A finished action in someone's life (when the person is still alive: life experience). Example :

My sister has been to Jogja fourth times

A finished action with a result in the present. Example :

I have lost my keys ( the result is that I can’t get into my house now)

With an unfinished time word (this week, this month, today):

I have seen James this week

Past simple is finished  actions. Example :

I knew Ox for 2 years ( but then she moved              away and we lost touch )

A finished action in someone's life (when the person is dead):

My great grandmother went to Mexico three times

A finished action with no result in the present:

I lost my keys yesterday. It was terrible! ( now there is no result. I got new keys yesterday)

With a finished time word (last week, last month, yesterday):

I saw john last week