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Past Simple vs Present Perfect (IELTS & STEP): The Simple Trick That Stops Most Mistakes

  • Dec 31, 2025
  • 3 min read

Past simple vs present perfect is one of the most searched grammar topics for IELTS and STEP learners and it's also one of the easiest places to lose marks in Speaking and Writing.


This guide gives you:


  • A clear explanation of past simple and present perfect rules

  • The most important time words (yesterday, last year, since, for, yet, already)

  • A fast 10-second exam trick

  • Short IELTS/STEP-style practice



Quick answer: What's the difference between past simple and present perfect?


  • Use past simple when the action happened in a finished time in the past (we often say when).


  • Use present perfect when the action is connected to now (result now, unfinished time, or life experience) and we usually don't say a finished past time.


The 10-second IELTS/STEP exam trick


Ask these two questions:


  1. Can I point to a finished time? (yesterday, last year, in 2020, two days ago)

    Yes = Past simple

  2. Is it connected to now? (today, this week, just, yet, since, for)

    Yes = Present perfect


Examples


  • Past simple: He texted me yesterday.

  • Present perfect: He has texted me today.



Past simple (IELTS/STEP grammar rule)


When do we use past simple?


Use past simple for:


  • A completed action in the past

  • A finished time period

  • A specific time in the past (stated or understood)


Common past simple time words (finished time)


  • yesterday

  • last night / last week / last year

  • in 2010 / in 2020

  • two days ago

  • when I was a child


Example sentences

  • She took IELTS in 2020.

  • They arrived last night.


Present perfect (IELTS/STEP grammar rule)


When do we use present perfect?


Use present perfect for:


  • Result now: something happened and the result matters now

  • Unfinished time: today / this week / this month

  • Still true now: started in the past and continues (since/for)

  • Life experience: ever/never (time not finished or not stated)


Common present perfect time words


  • today / this week / this month

  • just

  • already / yet

  • ever / never

  • since / for

  • recently


Example sentences


  • They have arrived. (They are here now.)

  • He has lived in London since 2010. (Still true now.)

  • I haven't done my STEP practice yet.



Common mistake (and how to fix it)


Can we use present perfect with yesterday?


No. Yesterday is a finished time, so use past simple.

  •  Wrong: I've seen him yesterday.

  •  Correct: I saw him yesterday.


This is a frequent accuracy error in IELTS Speaking and Writing, so it's worth training yourself to spot finished-time words quickly.


IELTS/STEP mini practice (choose the correct tense)


  1. He ____ me yesterday. *(texted / has texted)*

  2. She ____ IELTS this month. *(took / has taken)*

  3. They ____. *(arrived / have arrived)*


Free practice (IELTS Speaking-style)


Try answering these questions using the correct tense:


  1. What did you do yesterday?

  2. What have you done today that you're proud of?

  3. Have you ever taken an English exam? When did you take it?


Want more IELTS/STEP support?


If you'd like more exam-focused lessons and practice:


  • Explore our online IELTS and STEP courses

  • Join our free online classes when they're running

  • Ask about private lessons for a personalised study plan

  • Join us in our Glasgow school for a truly unforgettable immersive English speaking experience!


Summary


If the time is finished, use past simple. If it's connected to now use present perfect.


For the visual explanation and examples, watch the lesson here.


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