Grammar for the Preliminary English Test

Welcome to our new '4-Steps' grammar area for the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET). Each week we'll add a new grammar lesson to help you face the exam with confidence.

This week's topic: Present Perfect/Past Simple

Present Perfect or Past Simple

Previous Weeks

Will or Going To
Reported Speech (Statements)
Adverbs of Frequency
Past Simple Passive
Present Simple or Continuous
Comparatives & Superlatives

Why '4 Steps'?

If you haven't tried our free grammar materials for the Cambridge Preliminary English Test yet, find out what we mean by our '4 Steps' approach.

There are two key areas where grammar is specifically tested in PET: Reading Part 5 Multiple Choice and Writing Part 1 Sentence Transformation. Our free grammar exercises have 4 steps to help you a) make sure you know the language point and b) know how to use it if it appears in these parts of the exam.

Step 1: See if you already know the grammar rule or can work it out.

Step 2: Check to see if your ideas are correct.

Step 3: Practise the grammar in a Multiple Choice Cloze or Sentence Transformation task.

Step 4: Use our 'Study Tip' or Writing practice exercise at the bottom of each page to help you remember the grammar point by personalising it.

Study Tip, Writing and Speaking Practice

At the bottom of every Grammar page you'll find a box like this. Grey boxes are 'Study Tips'. This is the 4th stage of the grammar lesson. We will suggest ways you can help yourself remember the language item. Yellow boxes give you the chance to practise the grammar in a Writing task. Green boxes suggest ways you can practice for the Speaking Paper. Try to find time to do these activities as they will give you valuable preparation for the exam AND help you develop your English.