🌍 Wings Lesson 3: Describe a Recent vs Old Event Using Present Perfect vs Simple Past

Talk the Talk: (Conversational) Mastering Conversational English 🌍 Wings, Course 3 Level A2 🌍 Wings Lesson 3: Describe a Recent vs Old Event Using Present Perfect vs Simple Past

Learn How to Use “AND” ➕

(Positive Continuity Connector)

1. What “AND” Does đŸ§©

Use “and” to connect an old memory with a recent event when both are positive or related. It shows continuity between what happened in the past and what’s happening now.

Formula:

[Time indicator + Old memory (Past Simple)] + AND + [Time indicator + Recent memory (Simple Present / Present Perfect / Present Continuous / Present Perfect Continous)

Using AND

(positive continuity)

“Hi everyone! Yesterday, while I was cleaning my room, I found an old photo, and it reminded me of something. Five years ago, I learned how to play the guitar, and now I’m playing in a small local band. It’s crazy to think about it, because back then I could only play three chords. I’ve come a long way!”

Example 🎾

“Five years ago I learned how to play the guitar, and now I’m playing in a small local band.”

  • Old memory (Past Simple): “Five years ago I learned how to play the guitar.”
  • Connector: AND → links the old and recent events positively.
  • Recent event: “Now I’m playing in a small local band.”

More Examples ✅

  • “I started reading about photography last year, and recently I’ve bought my first camera.”
  • “Ten years ago I watched the World Cup with my family, and this year I’ve watched it again with friends.”
  • “Three years ago I wanted to open a bakery, and today I’m finally working as a chef.”

Vocabulary Booster 🚀

OrderExpressionTenseMeaning/UseExample Sentence
1.“
and now I
Present SimpleTo show a recent fact or current habit.“Five years ago I learned to play the guitar, and now I play every weekend.”
2.“
and now I’m
Present ContinuousTo show an action happening right now or ongoing.“I watched the World Cup in 2014, and now I’m watching this year’s games with friends.”
3.“
and now I’ve
Present PerfectTo show a new experience connected to the present.“I started reading about photography last year, and now I’ve bought my first camera.”
4.“
and now I’ve been
Present Perfect ContinuousTo emphasize the duration of a recent action.“Three months ago I joined a gym, and now I’ve been working out twice a week.”
5.“
and recently I’ve
Present PerfectTo highlight a recent experience.“I wanted to travel to Mexico, and recently I’ve booked my flights.”
6.“
and today I’m
Present ContinuousTo express something happening right now.“Three years ago I wanted to open a bakery, and today I’m working as a chef.”
7.“
and these days I
Present SimpleTo talk about a new routine or lifestyle.“I used to work nights, and these days I work from home during the day.”
8.“
and this year I’ve
Present PerfectTo connect an old event with something new this year.“Ten years ago I visited Tikal, and this year I’ve traveled to another historical site.”
9.“
and next month I’m
Present Continuous (Future meaning)To show a planned future action connected to a past event.“Last summer I went to Antigua, and next month I’m visiting again with my classmates.”
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