🌍 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 “BUT” ⚡

(Contrast Connector)

What “BUT” Does 🎯

Use “but” to connect an old memory with a recent event when the two situations contrast or oppose each other. It highlights how things have changed or turned out differently than expected.

Formula:

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

Using BUT

(contrast)

“Hey! You know what came to my mind today? Ten years ago, I planned a trip to Puerto Rico with my friends, but I couldn’t afford it at the time. But now I finally have the money, and guess what? I still haven’t gone! Life’s funny like that — sometimes you have the chance, but no time to take it.”

Example 💡

“Last year I was completely broke, but now I have a job and I’m earning my own money.”

  • Old memory (Past Simple): “Last year I was completely broke.”
  • Connector: BUT → shows contrast between old and new situations.
  • Recent event: “Now I have a job and I’m earning my own money.”

Shortcut to Remember 🔑

BUT = Contrast Connector
Use it when the situation today is different from the past.

Vocabulary Booster 🚀

OrderExpressionTenseMeaning / UseExample Sentence
1.
but now I
Present SimpleTo show a current situation is different.“I used to work nights, but now I work from home during the day.”
2.
but now I’m
Present ContinuousTo describe a new, ongoing action.“Last year I was broke, but now I’m earning my own money.”
3.
but now I’ve
Present PerfectTo express a new accomplishment.“I failed my English exam last year, but now I’ve passed it.”
4.
but now I’ve been
Present Perfect ContinuousTo emphasize progress.“I used to avoid exercise, but now I’ve been going to the gym regularly.”
5.
but recently I’ve
Present PerfectTo highlight a recent change.“I didn’t like coffee, but recently I’ve started drinking it every morning.”
6.
but today I’m
Present ContinuousTo show a shift happening right now.“I didn’t have the courage to open my bakery, but today I’m leading a kitchen team.”
7.
but this year I’ve
Present PerfectTo contrast this year with the past.“I didn’t travel much before, but this year I’ve been to five cities.”
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