Common Grammar Mistake: the use of Simple Past Tense and Present Perfect Tense

When it comes to writing, I have always been having problems to deal with the use of tenses, specifically simple past tense and present perfect tense. Frankly speaking, I did not know the actual difference between the two until I am assigned to do this portfolio. All I knew was that the two tenses are referring to past events, but when to use which, I was confused. Therefore, I always write according to my intuition whenever I come across this.

After reading from a few sources, I have learnt a lesson. The difference between simple past and present perfect tense is quite distinguishable. All we have to do is simple: keep our mind clear. If there is a clear indication that the event is happened in the past, use simple past tense. Otherwise, we must consider whether the action in the past affects the present in anyway. Table 1 compares the use of simple perfect tense and present perfect tense:

Simple Past Tense	Present Perfect Tense
The past simple tense may describe completed activities and past situations.	The present perfect tense may describe activities or situations which began in the past and are still continuing
In 1976, 60% of families were couples with children. In 1981, 34% of children aged 20-24 lived with their parents.	The number of one person households has grown. Over the past twenty years, the average size of households has fallen.
The past simple may describe activities without linking them to the present.	The present perfect may describe completed activities whose impact is felt in the present
They completed the research in 1972. They arrived yesterday.	They have completed the research. (Meaning: a short time ago; here it is). They have arrived. (Meaning: a short time ago; here they are).
With past simple verbs, the time may be specified.	With present perfect verbs, indefinite time expressions may be used
They completed the research in 1972. They arrived yesterday. The number of one person households grew last year.	They have just completed the research. They have already arrived. The number of one person households has grown recently.

Table 1: Present perfect and simple past compared (Monash University, 2007)

Simple Past Tense	Present Perfect Tense
yesterday 10 minutes ago last week in 1993 this morning/ this afternoon (when the period is finished)	just lately recently this morning/afternoon/evening (when the period is not finished) since

Table 2: Time markers for simple past tense and present perfect tense (Singh & Holden, 2006)

Table 2 gives some examples of time markers or signals that we should look out for when we are deliberating to write in simple past tense or present perfect tense. These markers serve as clues which guide us to write the right tenses.

Doing exercises is essential to master grammar. Feel free to try the exercise below to test your understanding. After all, practice makes perfect.

Simple Past Tense and Present Perfect Tense Exercise

Since computers were first introduced to the public in the early 1980's, technology 1._____ (change) a great deal. The first computers 2._____(be) simple machines designed for basic tasks. They 3._____(have, not) much memory and they 4._____(be, not) very powerful. Early computers were often quite expensive and customers often 5._____ (pay) thousands of dollars for machines which actually 6._____(do) very little. Most computers 7._____ (be) separate, individual machines used mostly as expensive typewriters or for playing games.

Times 8._____ (change). Computers 9._____(become) powerful machines with very practical applications. Programmers 10._____(create) a large selection of useful programs which do everything from teaching foreign languages to bookkeeping. We are still playing video games, but today's games (become) faster, more exciting interactive adventures. Many computer users 11._____(get, also) on the Internet and (begin) communicating with other computer users around the world. We 12._____(start) to create international communities online. In short, the simple, individual machines of the past 13._____ (evolve) into an international World Wide Web of knowledge.

Answers:

1. has changed
2. were
3. did not have
4. were not
5. paid
6. did
7. were
8. have changed
9. have become
10. have created
11. have become
12. have also got
13. have begun
14. have started
15. have evolved

(Englishpage.com, n.d.)

References

Englishpage.com. (n.d.). Verb Tense Exercise 6: Simple Past/ Present Perfect. Retrieved 10 September, 2008, from http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs6.htm

Holden, A. & Singh, J. (2006). New Remedial English Grammar for KBSM (4^th edition). Selangor: Fajar Bakti Sdn Bhd

Monash University. (2007, February 21). Present perfect and simple past compared. Retrieved 10 September, 2008, from http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/grammar/tense/2.4.xml

Writing Assignment 1

Question 2

Another of the sub-challenges listed in [1] was “encouraging and promoting improved science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.” However, more focus on STEM education most likely means less time for education in language arts. Briefly describe the possible disadvantages of focusing on STEM education rather than language arts.

The trend of education has slowly shifted to focus more on the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. In other words, time for education in language arts is reduced (National Academy of Engineering, 2008). In my opinion, this is not a wise action. A series of disadvantages could be brought about. Most important of all, focusing on STEM education will result in limitations in learning language arts. Language arts as one of the finest things in the world, consists of five main components, namely reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing as established by the National Council of Teachers of English (Wikipedia, 2008). Our daily communication can never be done without these components. Rome was not built in a day. In order for students to adjust their use of language to communicate effectively with different audiences, a tremendous amount of time and effort must be invested (National Council of Teachers of English, 1996). The poorer command in language will cause students to be less expressive and thus miscommunication may occur. This is a rather serious issue. When messages are not accurately conveyed, the ‘chain reaction’ will take place. The actual information is distorted to a great extent as it is passed from one party to another. Miscommunication is intolerable especially in industries where accuracy is essential, for example, engineering. One minor disadvantage would be that students are unlikely to gain a thorough understanding on the essence of a language as well as discovering its beauty. As a result, they are often blunt in words and meager in aesthetic sense. Furthermore, the hidden linguistic talent of students will most likely remain unseen. This is certainly a loss to the cultural development of a community. For these reasons, I firmly believe that reducing time for education in language arts to emphasize on STEM education is not a brilliant idea.

References

National Academy of Engineering. (2008). Introduction to the Grand Challenges of Engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org.cms/8996/9221.aspx

National Council of Teachers of English. (1996). Standards for the English Language Arts, p.24. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from
http://www.ncte.org/store/books/standards/105977.htm

Wikipedia. (2008). Language Arts. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_arts