Present Perfect vs Simple Past Part 2 grammar Exercise

Continue mastering the difference between present perfect and simple past tenses through more advanced dropdown selection exercises.

Exercise Guide

How to complete:

Choose the correct verb form from the dropdown menu for each blank. This part builds on previous practice with more complex contexts and subtle time clues.

  • Present perfect connects past experiences or actions to the present moment.
  • Simple past describes actions completed at specific times in the past.
  • Look for adverbs and expressions that indicate time relationships.
  • Some items may also include past perfect to show earlier past events.
  • Choose the most natural and grammatically correct option in each case.

Success tips:

  • Use present perfect with “just”, “already”, or “yet” for recent events.
  • Use simple past when a specific time or completed event is mentioned.
  • Past perfect shows one past event happening before another past event.
  • “Ever”, “never”, “so far”, “recently” often signal present perfect.
  • “Yesterday”, “last night”, “in 2012”, “two days ago” = simple past.

Knowledge:

In this continuation, you’ll deepen your understanding of how context determines tense choice. You'll decide whether actions are completed, ongoing, or connected to the present moment, and occasionally contrast with past perfect where appropriate.

Complete the Exercise

Paragraph 1

0/4 completed
I my phone! I can’t find it anywhere. I it on the table this morning, but now it gone. I all over the house already.
0 of 4 blanks filled

Paragraph 2

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She in Italy for five years before she back to Canada. Since then, she many Italian friends online and her language skills.
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Paragraph 3

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We never such a strange sound before. Last night, we it again outside our window. I what it could be.
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Paragraph 4

0/4 completed
They to the museum last weekend. It their first visit in years. They a lot of new exhibits and the experience.
0 of 4 blanks filled

Paragraph 5

0/4 completed
I just watching that documentary. It really inspiring, and I more about climate change since then.
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Paragraph 6

0/3 completed
My parents abroad several times. The first time they to France was in 2005, and they many memories ever since.
0 of 3 blanks filled

Paragraph 7

0/4 completed
By the time the concert , we waiting for over an hour. Luckily, the band worth the wait and amazing.
0 of 4 blanks filled

Paragraph 8

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He never sushi before he to Japan. Now he it all the time.
0 of 4 blanks filled

Paragraph 9

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We not each other since graduation. But last month, we again at a conference and a great chat.
0 of 4 blanks filled

Paragraph 10

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The teacher just our tests. She very pleased with the results and she will post them soon.
0 of 4 blanks filled

Paragraph 11

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I to that restaurant before. We there last weekend and the food. The chef the best dessert I've ever eaten.
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Paragraph 12

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My cousin abroad last year. He several countries since then and lots of pictures. Yesterday he me from Spain.
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Paragraph 13

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She always of becoming a pilot. Last month, she finally her first solo flight and incredibly proud.
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Paragraph 14

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The movie just , but we a few minutes late, so we the beginning.
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Paragraph 15

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We here since morning. The manager an hour ago, but we any updates yet. Maybe they to another team.
0 of 4 blanks filled

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