Problemas con el Present Perfect y el Past Simple

Present Continuous vs Present Perfect Continuous — Lesson 18 INTERMEDIATE

Curso INTERMEDIO: GRAMMAR – GRAMATICA

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Welcome to lesson 18 of our INTERMEDIATE course In this free class which is accompanied with an audio, we will be talking about the problems that Spanish Speakers have with the Present Perfec.

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Es importante saber que el PRESENT PERFECT tiene varios usos (Experiencia, cosas que acaban de pasar, expectativas etc). En este caso nos vamos a centrar en el uso de Present Perfect que trata el tema de acciones que terminaron en el pasado y que NO CONTINUAN pero que afectan el presente. Esto es un problema para los que hablamos español porque este uso no es muy distinguido en nuestro idioma,

Problems with the Present Perfect and Past Simple for Spanish Speakers

The difference between the present perfect and the past simple is one of the most challenging concepts for Spanish-speaking learners of English. In Spanish, we often use the past simple (pretérito perfecto simple) to talk about completed actions, even when those actions affect the present. However, in English, the present perfect plays a key role in emphasizing a connection between the past and the present. Let’s explore this difference in detail and how Spanish speakers can better grasp it.

What Makes It Confusing?

• Different Usage of Tenses In English:

I have lost my keys. (Present Perfect: The keys are still lost, affecting the present moment.)
I lost my keys. (Past Simple: The focus is on the event itself, not its current relevance.)

In Spanish, the distinction isn’t as strict. A sentence like “He perdido mis llaves”  can often function as both. This overlap creates confusion for Spanish speakers who are used to relying on context rather than grammatical structure to determine relevance.

• Direct Translation Doesn’t Work

Learners often translate sentences word-for-word. For example:

English: I have finished the report. (Implication: The report is now complete.)
Spanish: Terminé el informe. (No clear implication of present relevance unless context is added.)

• Cultural Differences in Perception of Time
  English speakers tend to emphasize the present implications of past actions, while Spanish speakers often see the past as more distinct from the present.

Helping Spanish Speakers Understand the Difference

Here are some strategies to clarify the concept:

• Explain the Present Relevance

The present perfect is used when an action in the past has an effect or importance in the present. Use examples that highlight this:

She has broken her leg. (Present Perfect: She still can’t walk.)
She broke her leg. (Past Simple: The event happened in the past, and it’s likely healed by now.)

Provide Contrast with Time Expressions

• Certain time markers can clarify when to use each tense:

Present Perfect: I have just arrived, I have already eaten.
Past Simple: I arrived yesterday, I ate at 8 p.m.

The present perfect avoids specific times and focuses on the result or effect.

Es importante entender las diferencias entre los idiomas y la mejor forma es enfocándonos en el contexto. A continuation les entregamos mas situaciones prácticas y cotidianas donde podemos usar el Present Perfect para un pasado que afecta mi presente.

Examples of the Present Perfect in English and Spanish

1. Lost/Found Items
English: I have lost my glasses.
(The keys are still lost, and it’s a problem right now.)
Spanish: He perdido mis lentes / Perdí mis lentes

2. Completed Tasks
English: I have finished my homework.
(Focuses on the fact that the homework is now complete, affecting the present.)
Spanish: He terminado mi tarea / Terminé mi tarea.

3. Experiences
English: I have visited Paris.
(The experience is relevant because it’s part of your life knowledge.)
Spanish: He visitado París / Visité París.

4. Situations with Immediate Impact
English: She has sprained her ankle.
(Her leg is still sprained, so this affects the present.)
Spanish: Se ha torcido el tobillo / Se torció el tobillo.

5. Announcing News
English: We have just won the game!
(Focuses on the present excitement about the result.)
Spanish: Acabamos de ganar el partido / Ganamos el partido.

6. Current Changes
English: Prices have increased this year.
(The change affects the current situation.)
Spanish: Los precios han subido este año / Los precios subieron este año.

7. Negative Situations
English: We have run out of coffee.
(The result: there’s no coffee right now.)
Spanish: Nos hemos quedado sin café / Nos quedamos sin café.

Common Problems for Spanish Speakers

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