Connecting the Past to the Present

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Past Relates to Present
Practice

Present State-of-Mind

Connecting the past to the present

Tense choice depends on whether an event continues to influence the mind of the speaker in the present. If the event is more distant in the speaker's mind, use past tense. If the event is connected to the present in some way, use present perfect.

Relating a Past Event to a Present Situation

PAST	PRESENT PERFECT
Use past to report something that is complete – the event no longer affects the speaker's current thoughts	Use present perfect to say that something is still in mind – the event still affects the speaker's current thoughts; the past event is still relevant to current events.
I spilled my drink on the carpet. I cleaned it up afterwards. (Done. Finished. I am not thinking about it anymore.)	You have spilled your drink on the carpet so clean it up! (I mention it because the spill remains. It is on my mind now.)
He spent all his money. That was unfortunate. (Done. Finished. I am not thinking about it anymore.)	He has spent all his money at Las Vegas, so don't give him anymore! (Because he is broke, I know he'll be asking for money. His situation is on my mind now.)
I always wanted to go to Spain. It doesn't interest me much anymore. (Done. Finished. I'm not thinking about it anymore.) *Also "I had always wanted to go to Spain." (past perfect tense)	I have always wanted to go to Spain, so I am planning a trip for next spring. (My upcoming trip keeps the desire in my mind.)
You forgot your keys. Yes, I did. (Done. Finished. I am not thinking about it anymore.)	I think you have forgotten your keys. Here they are. I have just found them. (Your keys are in my mind as I return them to you.)
Did you find a new apartment? (Done. Finished. I am not thinking about it anymore.)	Have you found a new apartment? I know about one that is available. (Your apartment search is on my mind while I try to help you find one.)
The President made a statement about his campaign finances yesterday. (Done. Finished. I am not thinking about it anymore.)	The President has made a statement about his campaign finances. This is causing the press to ask a lot of unwelcome questions. (His statement continues to affect the news.)
Bill Gates once said that all the RAM anyone ever needed was 64MB. (Done. Finished. I am not thinking about it anymore.)	Bill Gates has said that all the RAM anyone ever needs is 64MB. However, now he denies saying that. (His statement in the past is being denied in the present.)

Practice

Relevance to the Past

Choose the sentence that logically follows the given (first) sentence.

Then read the comments about each possible selection.

#	RESPONSE & FEEDBACK	IMAGE
1.	I have become a grandmother .	Would you like to see pictures of my grandchild? My daughter had her first child.
2.	I have been shopping for baby clothes.	I found some cute things yesterday. Come see them here.
3.	I have collected all the Beatrix Potter books.	I read them to my children every night. (read = present tense) I collected my first one at age 11.
4.	I have forgotten to pick up the dry cleaning.	I also forgot to stop at the bank. Now, I have to find something else to wear.
5.	I have put the baby down for a nap.	I can sit and relax a few moments. I did the laundry this morning too.
6.	We have completed our home movies.	We put them on YouTube. We'd like to show them to you.
7.	" I have lost over 45 pounds in six months."	"You look great!" "You were a bit heavy."
8.	Former President Clinton, has enjoyed a rise in popularity since 1999.	He is supporting his wife in her political goals. He did some stupid things while in office.
9.	I have gotten two speeding tickets in the last six months.	My insurance rates are rising. I also got a ticket last year.