When did it happen?
The big question: present perfect or Simple Past? The answer is about time.
In this lesson, you will learn...
Present Perfect × Simple Past. The golden rule.
If you say when, use the past. I went to Paris in 2019.
Time markers. ever, never, already / yesterday, last year.
Do you remember?
A quick review of the present perfect.
The time decides
Say when (yesterday, in 2020, last year) → Simple Past. Don't say when → present perfect. Tap to listen.
▶ Teacher Thais's voiceperfect or past?
If there's a past time expression, you must use the Simple Past. Tap to listen.
perfect or Simple Past?
Watch and listen, then try it yourself.
Perfect or Simple Past?
Everything from the video, in one place. The answer is always about time.
| Present Perfect | Simple Past | |
|---|---|---|
| When | you don't say when | you say when |
| Signal words | ever, never, already, yet | yesterday, last year, in 2020, ago |
| Example | I have been to Italy. | I went to Italy in 2020. |
A regra de ouro: se há uma expressão de tempo passado, você tem que usar o Simple Past.
Listen & echo
Play a sentence, then say it right away — copy the teacher's rhythm and melody, like an echo. Record yourself and compare.
Ouça uma vez e repita logo em seguida, imitando o ritmo e a “melodia” da frase — como um eco.
Can you write it right?
Play each sentence and type what you hear.
Choose the correct answer
Congratulations!
This is one of the hardest points in English — and you just cracked it!