Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

In the summer of 2024, Kylian Mbappé signed for Real Madrid. The deal was free — PSG's contract had ended. Since joining, he has scored regularly and has worn the number 9 shirt. Critics have asked whether he has truly reached the level of his predecessors.

Grammar Reference · Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Present perfect — form

Use have/has + past participle for experiences or news with present relevance. He has scored ten goals this season.

Past simple — form

Use the past simple for completed events at a specific time. He signed for Real Madrid in 2024.

Key time words

Present perfect: since, for, already, yet, just, ever, never. Past simple: yesterday, last year, in 2018, ago, when.

Common error

Never use a specific past time with the present perfect. He has joined Real Madrid in 2024. ✗ → He joined Real Madrid in 2024. ✓

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Present Perfect vs Past Simple

1.Mbappé (grow) up in Bondy, a suburb north of Paris.

2.He (make) his professional debut at just 16.

3.Since joining Real Madrid, he (score) regularly.

4.Monaco (win) the French league title in the 2016–17 season.

5.Mbappé (become) one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet.

6.His mother (play) handball at a professional level.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.Mbappé has signed for Real Madrid in 2024.

2.He scored four goals at the World Cup so far this tournament.

3.Since his debut, he has won the French league in 2017.

4.His father coached local football when Mbappé has been a child.

5.He has moved to Spain last summer.

6.Mbappé already scored in his first Champions League final.

7.Did you ever see him play live?

8.Monaco have reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2017.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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