Clarifying the difference between different grammar points

[ManiB]

Hello there,

I am in the process of getting my TEFL qualification and am totally stuck, as to how I should go about demonstrating the differences between, for example Present perfect vs Past simple. Can anybody help?? I want to make the lesson as interesting as possible so ideas on that front?

Thanks in advance!

Manisha

[jasminade]

Hello there,

I am in the process of getting my TEFL qualification and am totally stuck, as to how I should go about demonstrating the differences between, for example Present perfect vs Past simple. Can anybody help?? I want to make the lesson as interesting as possible so ideas on that front?

Thanks in advance!

Manisha

Try thinking about the use and reason for the auxilary verb in the present perfect tense: "to have", joined with the past "the past participle. Therefore, we use the present perfect when we wish to link an action (or state) in the past, to the present.

The past is over, finished, er, simple!

Also, the present perfect is emotional:

"She has broken my heart" - she broke my heart and I still feel bad now (therfore, the "present" perfect).

"She broke my heart but I am fine now."

Hope that helps a wee bit.

[ManiB]

Thanks very much for your help.

Really appreciate it.

M

[jasminade]

Thanks very much for your help.

Really appreciate it.

M

No problem. I just noticed that in the rush to give a reply I mispelt "auxiliary". Tut-tut.