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Present Perfect vs Past Simple – Test 1

B1 Intermediate GrammarEnglish

This B1 grammar test checks when to use the present perfect and when to use the past simple. It covers form, time expressions such as for, since, ago, yet and ever, the difference between been and gone, and common learner errors. It suits intermediate learners, classroom practice and self-study.

Questions
30
Time
30 min
PDF
4 pages
Answer key
Included
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Choose the correct option (A, B, C or D) for each question. Choose your answers, then press “Check my answers”.

Part 1: Form and basic use

Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence.

  1. We _____ to Spain last summer.

  2. Maria _____ in this company since 2018.

  3. _____ you ever eaten sushi?

  4. I _____ that film yesterday evening.

  5. Tom _____ his homework yet.

  6. When _____ your driving test?

  7. My parents _____ married for twenty-five years. They're celebrating next week.

  8. She _____ to London three times this year.

  9. I have never _____ a horse.

  10. They _____ here in 2015, and they still live here.

Part 2: Time expressions and meaning

Choose the correct sentence, word or meaning.

  1. Which sentence is correct?

  2. Which sentence is correct?

  3. I've lived in this flat _____ three years.

  4. Leo started his new job two weeks _____.

  5. We haven't spoken to each other _____ the party in May.

  6. I haven't finished my report _____.

  7. "Sara has gone to Paris." What does this mean?

  8. "Sara has been to Paris." What does this mean?

  9. I _____ my grandmother when I was a child.

  10. This is the best pizza I _____.

Part 3: Errors and conversations

For questions 21-24, choose the part of the sentence that is wrong. For questions 25-30, choose the best option.

  1. Which part is wrong? "I have lived in Madrid when I was a student."

  2. Which part is wrong? "She has bought a new phone two days ago."

  3. Which part is wrong? "Have you ever went to Canada?"

  4. Which part is wrong? "I know Peter since we were at school together."

  5. A: Have you ever been to Japan? B: _____

  6. A: I've just finished writing my first novel! B: Congratulations! _____

  7. A: _____ B: Since last October.

  8. I'm so tired. I _____ well for days.

  9. Shakespeare _____ many famous plays.

  10. Julia _____ three books so far, and she's working on her fourth.

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About this test

This B1 grammar test checks when to use the present perfect and when to use the past simple. It covers form, time expressions such as for, since, ago, yet and ever, the difference between been and gone, and common learner errors. It suits intermediate learners, classroom practice and self-study.

Topics covered

Present perfect formPast simple formFor, since and agoYet, ever, never, so farBeen vs goneFinished vs unfinished timeCommon errors

How to use this test

  1. Download the PDF and print it, or take the test online below.
  2. Answer every question without a dictionary or time pressure.
  3. Check your answers and note the topics you need to review.

Notes for teachers

Use Part 1 to check form, Part 2 to focus on time expressions and meaning, and Part 3 for error spotting and conversational use. The test targets typical B1 errors: present perfect with finished time expressions (yesterday, ago, in 2019), present simple instead of present perfect with for/since, and 'Did you ever...?' instead of 'Have you ever...?'. As a follow-up, ask students to write five 'Have you ever...?' questions, interview a partner, and then ask past simple follow-up questions (When? Where? Who with?).