I did it twice.

I have done it twice.

Last week, we discussed two of the differences between these verb tenses: Simple Past and Present Perfect Simple 

Known Time vs Unknown Time

and

Old vs New Information

Check out last week’s blog article or YouTube video to review that lesson.

This week, we are going to discuss one more way in which these verb tenses are similar, yet different.

A repetition of an action

This means how many times that action occurred or was repeated during a period of time. 

For example:

I ate sushi twice last week. 

I have eaten sushi twice this week. 

The difference is the period of time. 

SIMPLE PAST TENSE

The Simple Past verb tense is used when the period of time is finished. Therefore we cannot add any more times. It is completed. 

Some finished periods of time might include:

• This morning (if it is currently in the afternoon)

• Yesterday

• Last week

• Last month

• Last year

• In 2020

For example:

I drank two cups of coffee this morning. (It is currently 2:00 pm)

I ran into* him twice last week. 

I ate out* four times last month. 

We traveled to Toronto for work five times last year.

He worked from home many times in 2020.

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE TENSE

The Present Perfect Simple verb tense is used when the period of time is not finished yet (it has started but isn’t finished yet). Therefore, it is possible to do the action one or two more times within the given time period.

Some continuing periods of time might include:

• This morning (if it is still morning)

• Today

• This week

• This month

• This year

For example:

I have drunk two cups of coffee so far this morning. (It is currently 10:00 am)

I have run into* him twice this week. 

I have eaten out* four times this month. 

We have traveled to Toronto for work five times this year.

He has worked from home many times this year.

Two things to note:

End of the Period

If you are at the end of the period and there is no chance to repeat the action again before the period ends, we can use the Simple Past tense rather than the Present Perfect Simple tense.

• I drank two cups of coffee this morning. (It is currently 11:58 am)

• I ran into* him twice this week. (It is currently Sunday evening)

• I ate out* four times this month. (It is currently the last day of the month)

• We traveled to Toronto for work five times this year. (It is currently the last week of December)

• He worked from home many times this year. (It is currently the last week of December)

No Time Period Given

When no time period is given, the time period that is assumed is in one’s entire life.

I have been to the US three times (in my life).

Therefore, when the person is still alive, their life period is still continuing and we must use the Present Perfect Simple tense. However, if the person has died, their life period is finished and we must use the Simple Past tense. Also, if the person is close to death and there is no chance of them repeating the action again before they die, then we can use Simple Past tense even though they are still alive.

My friend has come to Canada three times. (in her life.) 

Because of the verb tense, it implies that my friend is still alive and well and could possibly come to Canada again in the future.

My friend came to Canada three times. (in her life.) 

Because of the verb tense, it implies that my friend is either:

1. Dead and therefore could not possibly come to Canada again in the future.

2. Close to death and could not possibly come to Canada again in the future.

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For more help with verb tenses, be sure to check out our comprehensive online course on verb tenses coming soon. Check back for more details as they become available.

Also, be sure to check out our YouTube channel for a free video lesson on today’s blog article, and remember to hit “Subscribe” if you like the video!

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Vocabulary in context:

* run into: to meet someone by coincidence

“I ran into our neighbor when I was at the grocery store.”

* eat out: to go to a restaurant to eat (opposite: eat in = to stay home to eat)

“We ate out for my birthday. The restaurant that we went to was very nice and the food was delicious.”

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For further help with your English …

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