Simple Past vs. Present Perfect

August 10, 2026July 13, 2026 US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

Use the Simple Past when the action happened at a finished time in the past.

Ask yourself: When did it happen? If you can answer with a finished time (yesterday, last year, in 2020, two hours ago), use the Simple Past.

Subject + past tense verb

I visited Boston.
She bought a new phone.
They arrived late.

Common time expressions

yesterday
last week/month/year
in 2018
two days ago
this morning (if the morning is over)
when I was a child

Examples

I saw that movie yesterday.
We met in 2022.
She finished her homework an hour ago.

Use the Present Perfect when the exact time is not important or the action has a connection to the present.

Ask yourself: Is the result or experience important now? If yes, use the Present Perfect.

Subject + have/has + past participle

I have visited Boston.
She has bought a new phone.
They have arrived.

The Four Main Uses of the Present Perfect

1️⃣ The time doesn’t matter.

I have been to Japan.
She has never ridden a horse.
Have you ever eaten sushi?

2️⃣ An Action That Happened Recently

Usually with:	Examples:
just	I’ve just finished.
already	She’s already left.
yet	Have you eaten yet?

3️⃣ An Action That Started in the Past and Continues Now ( The action is still true now. )

Often with:	Examples:
for	I have lived here for ten years.
since	She has worked here since 2020.

4️⃣ A Past Action with a Present Result

Examples:

I’ve lost my keys.
(I don’t have them now.)
She’s broken her leg.
(Her leg is still broken.)
We’ve missed the bus.
(We’re still waiting.)

The Golden Rule

Simple Past = Finished Time

When did it happen?

yesterday
last week
in 2015
two hours ago

Present Perfect = Unfinished Time or Present Connection

Has it happened before now?

Compare the Difference

Example one:

Simple Past	Present Perfect
I lost my keys yesterday.	I’ve lost my keys.
(The time is important.)	(The result is important—I can’t find them.)

Example two:

Simple Past	Present Perfect
Did you eat breakfast this morning?	Have you eaten breakfast today?
(The morning is finished.)	(Today is not finished.)

Example three:

Simple Past	Present Perfect
She worked here from 2018 to 2022.	She has worked here since 2018.
(She doesn’t work here anymore.)	(She still works here.)

Signal Words

Simple Past	Present Perfect
yesterday	ever
last…	never
ago	already
in ( 2010 )	yet
when I was…	just
then	since
before	for
after	recently
If you see one of these, the Simple Past is almost always correct.	lately
	so far
	up to now
	this week (if the week isn’t over)
	today (if today isn’t over)

Share this:

Dancin’ the (summer) night away…

August 3, 2026July 21, 2026 US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

Vocabulary:

To take advantage — exp., to enjoy something that’s given to you, usually at no cost.

waterfront — n. the edge of a body of water; a lake, ocean, or river shoreline.

revel — v., to enjoy something very much, to celebrate

beloved — adj., something that is deeply loved.

culture — n., a set of beliefs, values, and behaviors belonging to a group of people.

Do you like to dance? Do you like free events? Do you like taking advantage of NYC’s summer offerings?

There are many opportunities to have fun on the dance floor this summer. Here are a few:

Sunset Salsa on the river!

Sunset Salsa is a Thursday evening salsa series at Pier 76 in Hudson River Park, bringing outdoor dancing to Manhattan’s west side.

The evening starts at 6:30 PM with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson, then opens into social dancing from 7:15 PM. Talía Castro-Pozo leads and curates the series.

The waterfront setting gives the event a relaxed summer feel, with room for new dancers to jump into the lesson and experienced dancers to stay for the social. It is a strong option for anyone looking for an outdoor salsa night with Hudson River views.

For dancers who want salsa outside a studio or club, Sunset Salsa offers a lively summer gathering along the river.

Modern Dance

Modern dance in Bryant park!

Saturday mornings, 10 – 11 am through September 19th. Experience the joy of movement with dancers from the world-renowned Limón Dance Company, this free modern dance class is open to all levels and ages. Join us this summer and revel in the joy of dance!

https://bryantpark.org/activities/limon-dance

Zumba in Gotham Park!

Ger ready for Zumba under the Brooklyn Bridge! Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 5:30 – 6:15. All ages and abilities welcome! Come and dance, sweat, and have a great time with friends and fellow Zumba enthusiasts. No experience requires, just come with a positive attitude and be ready to move to the music. Dates and ticket availability below.

https://vinylnightsnyc.com/events

Vinyl Nights is a beloved NYC institution – celebrating dance, music, club & DJ culture.

Experience what it was like to party in NYC in the early 70’s to the 90’s, when DJ’s played strictly Vinyl. Dance to the hits that shaped NYC – Disco, Funk, Soul, House, Boogie, Latin, Freestyle and 80’s & 90’s Hip Hop.

Have fun and we hope you can sleep late the next day!

Share this:

Summer Activities 😎

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

There’s something special about New York City on a summer evening. On a hot day, the air cools down in the evening, the breeze off the river feels refreshing, and parks across the city are busy with people enjoying movies, concerts, and theater under the stars. Best of all, many of these events are completely free.

If you’re looking for some fun outdoor events in NYC this summer, here are three you won’t want to miss.

Movies at Brooklyn Bridge Park 🎥 🍿

Watching a movie with the Manhattan skyline in the background is hard to beat. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s popular Movies with a View series returns to Harbor View Lawn (Pier 1) for its 26th season.

Movies are shown every Thursday evening in July and August. The lawn opens at 6:00pm, and the movie begins at sunset.

This year’s lineup includes:

July 16: Bend It Like Beckham
July 23: The Talented Mr. Ripley
July 30: Clueless
August 6: Jurassic Park
August 13: Do the Right Thing
August 20: Bridesmaids

If you’re planning to go, arrive early. Seating on the lawn fills up quickly, so getting there when it opens gives you plenty of time to grab a good spot.

link: https://brooklynbridgepark.org/event-series/movies-with-a-view/

Free Shakespeare in Central Park 🎭

To go or not to go? That shouldn’t even be a question. Go! The Delacorte Theater is welcoming audiences back for another season of Free Shakespeare in the Park, one of New York City’s favorite summer traditions.

This year’s production is The Winter’s Tale, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan.

The Winter’s Tale, running from July 25 – August 23

Tickets are free and are available the day of each performance. You can wait in line at Central Park, visit one of the ticket distribution locations in the five boroughs, or enter the digital lottery through the TodayTix app.

link: https://publictheater.org/free-shakespeare-in-the-park/

Art and Performances on Governors Island 🎺

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s the perfect summer escape, with scenic parks, public art, historic sites, bike paths, food vendors, and cultural events – all set against some of the city’s best skyline views.

Along with beautiful views, bike paths, and plenty of green space, the island hosts a variety of events as part of the River To River Festival. Presented by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), the festival features public art, live performances, and interactive exhibits throughout the summer.

Upcoming events:

The Unintended Blues is a new exhibition by Leslie Wayne featuring paintings and multimedia works that explore rising sea levels, melting Arctic ice, and the impact of climate change on the natural world. – Friday, July 24 – Sunday, September 27
Esperanza Spalding: In Concert – August 8 at 7:00 pm

River To River Festival link: https://lmcc.net/river-to-river-2026/

Governors Island link: https://www.govisland.com/

Share this:

Hands writing notes in a lined journal with a pen on a wooden table

Grow as a Writer at University Settlement

July 13, 2026May 21, 2026 US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

Do you enjoy writing? Do you want to get better and feel more confident? The Advanced Writing Class at University Settlement is a welcoming place for you. It is open to anyone who loves writing and wants to improve. In this class, people learn together, share ideas, and support each other as writers.

The class is taught by a professor from New York University (NYU). NYU is a respected university with a strong writing program. This means students can learn from an experienced teacher who can help them grow, improve their skills, and try new ways of writing.

At the end of the year, students have the special chance to see their work published in a collection of writing. This is a proud moment for many writers. It is also a wonderful way to celebrate each person’s hard work, progress, and voice.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out to the Adult Literacy office at the beginning of the school year. We would love to welcome new writers into our community. Whether you have been writing for years or are just starting again, this class is a place to learn, connect, and grow.

Share this:

Stack of vintage hardcover books arranged on a wooden table indoors

Summer Reading

July 10, 2026July 10, 2026 US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

For many of us, summer is the time when we have more time for ourselves. No classes, no rushed schedule of school, kids and work. Things move at a slower pace, maybe it’s the heat of a NYC summer, but maybe it’s just all of us taking the time to slow down a little, a change from the busy-ness of the rest of the year. What’s better to do with this found time than read a book? Or read several books?

First things first! Get a library card!

If you’re 13 or older, and live, work, attend, or pay property taxes in NY State, you are eligible for a card. Your card can be physical or digital.

https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card

If you prefer to complete the application for a physical library card in person, please visit an NYPL location with proof of ID and address. Find a location near you.

The New York Public Library even has a special card for this year!

With thanks to the New York Times, University Settlement has prepared a reading challenge list:

📖 ☐ Read a really short book.
📘 ☐ Read a really long book.
🕵️ ☐ Read a mystery book.
🎬 ☐ Read a book that’s been adapted for a movie.
☀️ ☐ Read a book that takes place in the summer.
🎧 ☐ Listen to an audiobook.

READ A BOOK RECOMMENDED BY A LIBRARIAN!

Audiobook suggestion: Wahala, Nikki May

Happy Reading! Enjoy your book choices!

Share this:

4th of July 🎉 🎇 🥳

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 US Adult LiteracyLeave a comment

vocabulary

Independence – freedom from another country’s rule
Colony – land controlled by another country
Fireworks – colorful explosions in the sky
Parade – a public celebration with marching bands and floats
Patriotic – Showing love, pride, and support for your country
Semiquincentennial – 250 year celebration

The 4th of July ( Independence Day ) is a national holiday in the United States. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, on July 4, 1776, when the 13 colonies officially broke away from Great Britain.

These days, people celebrate it in all kinds of ways. Families and friends have barbecues or picnics, head to parades, spend the day at the beach or a park, or go to The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.

Cities and neighborhoods decorate their neighborhoods in red, white, and blue, and people dress in patriotic colors. One of the biggest traditions is watching fireworks at night. For a lot of people, the Fourth feels like the start of summer!

This year, the United States is also celebrating its 250th birthday, the Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since we gained our independence.

In New York City, this year’s celebration is especially large, with events honoring both the 250th anniversary and the 50th Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular. Fireworks are planned to launch from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Lower East River, and the Lower Hudson River, starting around 9:25pm.

Some 4th of July Activities in NYC

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (around 9:25pm): Featuring over 85,000 fireworks and a new laser show from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Sail4th 250 (July 3rd to 8th): A massive maritime procession of over 70 tall ships and naval vessels in New York Harbor.
Times Square Ball Drop (July 3rd): For the first time, the New Year’s Eve ball will drop eight times to mark midnight in all US time zones, celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Homecoming of Heroes Parade (July 6th): A parade in Midtown honoring veterans and first responders.

Fireworks Viewing Locations

Manhattan: Public viewing areas along the FDR Drive.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Prime viewing for bridge-centered effects, requiring a free ticket issued by the city.
South Street Seaport: A prime spot for lower East River views.
Jersey City Waterfront: Exchange Place offers a full-day festival with views of the Hudson River show.
Rooftop Events: Special events are available at venues like Lost in Paradise Rooftop (Long Island City), Virgin Hotels NYC (Midtown), and Edge NYC.

Share this:

School’s out!

June 24, 2026June 23, 2026 US Adult Literacy1 Comment

Ornate vintage carousel with decorative horses and warm lights glowing

“…And the seasons, they go round and round, and the painted ponies go up and down…”

Ahhh…another school year finished, another step forward for our students. Celebration filled the rooms at University Settlement these past weeks — people getting promoted and people graduating and moving on from their English classes to bigger and better adventures.

After ten months of getting up early and coming to class, or finishing a long day of work and coming to class —

Everyone had reason to PARTY!!