Talán ez a két igeidő okoz a legtöbb gondot a magyar nyelvtanulóknak akkor, ha választani kell, melyiket használjuk. Álljon lentebb néhány példamondat-pár annak bemutatására, hasonló tartalmak kis változtatással más igeidők használatát igénylik.
- Present Perfect: I have finished my homework. Simple Past: I finished my homework two hours ago.
- Present Perfect: She has visited Paris several times. Simple Past: She visited Paris last summer.
- Present Perfect: They have lost their keys. Simple Past: They lost their keys while they were hiking yesterday.
- Present Perfect: He has broken his leg. Simple Past: He broke his leg when he was skiing last winter.
- Present Perfect: We have seen that movie. Simple Past: We saw that movie on opening night.
- Present Perfect: You have told me about it before. Simple Past: You told me about it last week.
- Present Perfect: She has written three books. Simple Past: She wrote her first book in 2010.
- Present Perfect: They have been to the new museum. Simple Past: They went to the new museum on Saturday.
- Present Perfect: I have eaten sushi. Simple Past: I ate sushi for lunch.
- Present Perfect: He has taken the test. Simple Past: He took the test yesterday.
- Present Perfect: We have bought a new car. Simple Past: We bought a new car last month.
- Present Perfect: You have grown so much! Simple Past: You grew a lot over the summer.
- Present Perfect: She has left the office. Simple Past: She left the office at 5 PM.
- Present Perfect: They have closed the shop. Simple Past: They closed the shop during the holiday.
- Present Perfect: I have known him for years. Simple Past: I met him years ago.
- Present Perfect: We have lived here since 2010. Simple Past: We moved here in 2010.
