ENG102: Simple past vs present perfect - Street art

Street art ________ increasingly popular over the last few decades.

• becomes

• became

• has become

Answer explanation

The present perfect is used here because the sentence describes a change that began in the past and continues into the present. The phrase “over the last few decades” refers to an ongoing time period that is still relevant now.

Banksy _________ some of the most famous street art pieces in the world.

• creates

• created

• has created

Answer explanation

This tense is used because we’re talking about Banksy’s achievements up to now. The time is not specified and Banksy is still alive ;)

Graffiti artists ________ that their work is a form of self-expression.

• argue

• argued

• have argued

Answer explanation

The present simple is used to express a general belief or opinion that is still true today. The sentence talks about what graffiti artists typically think, not a specific moment in time.

The police _______ several graffiti artists in the city center last night.

• arrest

• arrested

• have arrested

Answer explanation

The past simple is used here because the action happened at a specific time in the past (“last night”). The event is completed and no longer connected to the present.

Why is the simple present used in this sentence?

Many people consider street art to be a legitimate art form.

• Because it expresses a general belief that is still true

• Because it describes a future possibility

• Because it describes an action that happened recently

• Because it refers to a completed past action

Answer explanation

We use the simple present to present facts or to give our opinion about something.

Why is the present perfect used in this sentence

Some cities have commissioned street art pieces to beautify public spaces.

• The action is finished and happened last year

• The action happened at an unknown time and may continue

• It describes a future possibility

• It shows a temporary situation

Answer explanation

There is a possibility that cities will commission more street art pieces, so we can't be sure that the action is finished.

Why is the simple present used in this sentence?

Many street artists use their work as a form of political or social commentary.

• It describes a wish or hope

• The sentence describes a one-time event

• The sentence is about the past

• It's a fact

Answer explanation

We use the simple present to present facts or to give our opinion about something.

Why was the simple past used in this sentence:

I recently went to a street art festival. It was wonderful!

• Because it describes a general truth

• Because it describes a completed action at a specific time

• Because it refers to an action that started in the past and continues

• Because it describes a regular habit

Answer explanation

The act of going started and finished in the past.

Why is the present perfect used in this sentence:

Local officials haven’t decided on the location for the new street art installation yet,

• Because it expresses a habit or repeated action

• Because it describes an action that began in the past and is still continuing

• Because it describes a finished action at a known time in the past

• Because it refers to an action that has not happened so far, and may still happen

Answer explanation

The local officials are in the process of deciding, so the action started in the past, but it is still incomplete.