Understanding the Difference Between Past Simple and Present Perfect for Russian Students
CEFR Level: B1–B2
Category: General English | Grammar
Introduction
For many Russian learners of English, one of the most confusing grammar points is the difference between Past Simple and Present Perfect.
In Russian, there is no direct equivalent of the Present Perfect tense. Because of this, students often use the Past Simple when English requires Present Perfect — or vice versa.
Both tenses talk about the past. However, they do not mean the same thing. The key difference is not time alone — it is connection to the present.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Past Simple – A Finished Time in the Past
We use the Past Simple to talk about actions that happened at a finished time in the past.
The time is either:
clearly stated, or
understood as finished.
The action is complete and not connected to the present.
Structure
Subject + past form of the verb
Examples:
I visited Moscow last summer.
She went to the store yesterday.
They watched a movie last night.
We met in 2018.
He called me two hours ago.
In all these examples, the time is finished. The action is over. It belongs completely to the past.
Important Rule
If you mention a specific past time, you must use Past Simple.
Correct:
I saw that film last week.
She finished the report yesterday.
We moved here in 2020.
Incorrect:
❌ I have seen that film last week.
❌ She has finished the report yesterday.
Time expressions commonly used with Past Simple:
yesterday, last week, last year, in 2010, two days ago, on Monday, at 8am, when I was a child.
Present Perfect – A Past Action Connected to Now
The Present Perfect describes:
experiences in life (without saying when),
actions that happened in an unfinished time period,
actions that started in the past and continue now,
very recent actions,
results that matter now.
Structure
Subject + have/has + past participle
Examples:
I have visited Moscow several times.
She has already finished her homework.
They have watched three movies today.
We have lived here for five years.
He has just arrived.
Notice something important: we do NOT say when.
The exact time is unknown or not important.
The Core Difference: Finished Time vs Unfinished Time
This is the most important idea.
Past Simple → Finished time.
Present Perfect → Unfinished time or present relevance.
Compare:
I ate breakfast at 8 AM.
(Finished time – 8 AM is over.)I have eaten breakfast.
(Result now – I am not hungry.)
Another example:
We visited London in 2019.
(Specific year, finished.)We have visited London many times.
(Life experience, time not mentioned.)
A Very Important Example: “Today”
Russian students often make mistakes with “today.”
If the time period is still continuing, we use Present Perfect.
Correct:
I have worked a lot today. (Today is not finished.)
She has called me three times today.
But if the day is finished (for example, you are speaking late at night about earlier today), Past Simple can also be possible in natural speech.
Context matters.
Present Perfect for Life Experience
We use Present Perfect to talk about experiences in life.
I have been to Italy.
She has never tried sushi.
Have you ever visited London?
We do NOT say:
❌ I have been to Italy in 2015.
If you say “in 2015,” use Past Simple:
✔ I went to Italy in 2015.
Present Perfect with “For” and “Since”
We use Present Perfect to describe actions that started in the past and continue now.
I have lived here for three years.
She has worked in this company since 2021.
We have known each other for a long time.
If the action is finished:
I lived there for three years. (But I don’t live there now.)
This difference is very important.
Present Perfect for Recent Actions
We often use Present Perfect with:
just, already, yet, recently.
I have just finished.
She has already left.
Have you finished yet?
In modern spoken English, Americans sometimes use Past Simple with “just”:
I just finished.
However, for exams and formal grammar, use Present Perfect.
Common Mistakes Russian Students Make
Using Present Perfect with finished time:
❌ I have seen him yesterday.
✔ I saw him yesterday.
Using Past Simple for life experience:
❌ I went to Spain. (When? If you mean experience, use Present Perfect.)
✔ I have been to Spain.
Confusing “for” and “since”:
“For” = period of time
“Since” = starting point
Practice Section
Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Form
1. I ______ (see) that movie last weekend.
2. She ______ (already / finish) her homework.
3. We ______ (visit) London last summer.
4. He ______ (never / try) sushi before.
5. They ______ (live) in Paris for three years.
6. I ______ (just / arrive).
7. She ______ (call) me two minutes ago.
8. We ______ (not / see) him today.
🗝️ Answer Key
1. saw
2. has already finished
3. visited
4. has never tried
5. have lived
6. have just arrived
7. called
8. have not seen
Exercise 2 – Explain Why
Decide why each tense is used.
1. I have lost my keys.
2. I lost my keys yesterday.
3. She has worked here since 2020.
4. She worked here in 2020.
Try to explain:
Is the time finished?
Is the action connected to now?
🗝️ Answer Key
1. Result now – I don’t have the keys.
2. Finished time – yesterday.
3. Started in 2020 and continues now.
4. Action happened during 2020 (finished period).
Exercise 3 – Translate from Russian (Typical Interference Practice)
Translate correctly:
1. Я видел этот фильм вчера.
2. Я уже сделал домашнюю работу.
3. Мы живём здесь три года.
4. Ты когда-нибудь был в Лондоне?
5. Он ушёл пять минут назад.
🗝️ Answer Key
1. I saw this film yesterday.
2. I have already done my homework.
3. We have lived here for three years.
4. Have you ever been to London?
5. He left five minutes ago.
Mini Speaking Task
Answer these questions using Present Perfect:
Have you ever traveled abroad?
Have you learned something new this month?
How long have you studied English?
What books have you read recently?
Now answer using Past Simple:
Where did you travel last year?
What did you do yesterday?
When did you start learning English?
Notice how the focus changes.
Final Summary
Past Simple = Finished time in the past.
Present Perfect = Past action connected to now.
Ask yourself:
Is the time finished?
Is the result important now?
Is it life experience?
Is the action still continuing?
If you answer these questions correctly, you will choose the right tense.
Reflection
Think about your life.
Write 5 sentences about your experiences using Present Perfect.
Then write 5 sentences about specific finished moments using Past Simple.
Mastering this distinction will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy — especially in speaking.
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