Simple Past vs. Present Perfect Tense Worksheet

The present perfect tense is used in the subordinate clause only when the verb in the principal clause is either in the present or future tense – not in the past tense. Watch this Youtube video to better understand the correct use of simple past and present perfect.

Complete the following sentences using appropriate present perfect or past tense forms.

Simple past vs. Present perfect tense exercise

1. I ———————– a woman in New Zealand three years ago. (met / have met)

2. I ————————– bought anything since a week ago. (haven’t / hadn’t)

3. He ———————– ill for three years before he died. (was / has been)

4. ‘Have you been here before?’ ‘Yes, I ———————– here a year ago.’ (was / have been)

5. As soon as I saw her I knew that I ———————– her before. (have met / had met)

6. We will not begin the work until they ————————- to our terms and conditions. (had agreed / have agreed)

7. I will come back after I ———————– my lunch. (have finished / had finished)

8. He cannot be appointed before he ———————— his examination. (has passed / had passed)

9. I understand that you —————————- from the committee. (have resigned / had resigned)

10. I will call you after I ————————– him. (saw / have seen)

Answers

1. I met a woman in New Zealand three years ago.

2. I haven’t bought anything since a week ago.

3. He was ill for three years before he died.

4. Yes, I was here a year ago.

5. As soon as I saw her I knew that I had met her before.

6. We will not begin the work until they have agreed to our terms and conditions.

7. I will come back after I have finished my lunch.

8. He cannot be appointed before he has passed his examination.

9. I understand that you have resigned from the committee.

10. I will call you after I have seen him.