Tenses - Present Perfect Tense

Tenses - Present Perfect Tense

Present Perfect Tense

Usage: The Present Perfect Tense is used to describe actions or events that have occurred at an unspecified time in the past but are connected to the present. It highlights the result or consequence of these actions in the present moment.

1. Unspecified Time Before Now: Actions or events that happened at some point in the past, but the exact time is not mentioned.
• Example: "I have visited Paris."
2. Life Experiences: Talking about experiences up to the present.
• Example: "She has travelled to many countries."
3. Changes Over Time: Describing changes that have happened over a period of time.
• Example: "He has grown a lot since last year."
4. Achievements: Announcing accomplishments or achievements.
• Example: "They have won several awards."
5. Actions with Present Relevance: Actions that have an effect on the present moment.
• Example: "I have lost my keys." (I can't find my keys now.)

Formation: The Present Perfect Tense is formed using the present tense of the auxiliary verb "have" (have/has) + the past participle of the main verb.

Structure:

• Affirmative Sentences: Subject + have/has + past participle
• Example: "She has finished her homework."
• Negative Sentences: Subject + have/has + not + past participle
• Example: "They have not seen that movie."
• Interrogative Sentences: Have/Has + subject + past participle?
• Example: "Have you eaten breakfast?"

Examples:

• "I have read that book."
• "You have completed the assignment."
• "He has met the president."
• "We have lived here for five years."
• "They have just arrived."

Important Notes:

1. Past Participle: The past participle of regular verbs is formed by adding -ed to the base form (e.g., walk → walked). Irregular verbs have unique past participles (e.g., go → gone, see → seen).
2. Use of "Just," "Already," and "Yet":
• "Just" is used for actions that happened very recently.
• Example: "I have just finished my meal."
• "Already" emphasizes that something happened sooner than expected.
• Example: "She has already left."
• "Yet" is used in questions and negative sentences to talk about something that is expected to happen.
• Example: "Have you finished your homework yet?" / "I have not finished my homework yet."
3. For and Since:
• Use "for" to specify a duration of time.
• Example: "I have known her for ten years."
• Use "since" to specify the starting point in time.
• Example: "He has lived here since 2010."

 

 

Five sentences in the Present Perfect Tense, An action that truly happened in the past:

1. "I have completed my degree in computer science."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates a significant accomplishment that happened in the past and is relevant to the present (you now hold a degree).
2. "She has travelled to Italy three times."
• Explanation: This sentence describes a repeated experience that occurred at different times in the past.
3. "They have launched a new product this year."
• Explanation: This sentence highlights an achievement that happened within the current year, linking the past action to the present time.
4. "We have moved to a new house."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates a completed action in the past that has an impact on the present situation (you are now living in a new house).
5. "He has won the championship twice."
• Explanation: This sentence emphasizes a repeated accomplishment that took place in the past and contributes to the person's present status or reputation.

 

Present Perfect Tense to describe actions that finished in the past, along with brief explanations:

1. "I have completed my project."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates that the project was finished at an unspecified time in the past, but the result (the project is complete) is relevant to the present.
2. "She has graduated from university."
• Explanation: This sentence shows that the graduation happened in the past, but it impacts the present situation (she is now a graduate).
3. "They have sold their house."
• Explanation: This sentence describes an action (selling the house) that was completed in the past, with the present relevance being that they no longer own the house.
4. "We have booked our tickets."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates that the action of booking tickets was completed in the past, and it affects the present (the tickets are now booked).
5. "He has repaired the car."
• Explanation: This sentence states that the action of repairing the car was finished in the past, with the current implication that the car is now fixed and usable.

 

 

Present Perfect Tense, focusing on actions in the past that are unfinished and still relevant to the present:

1. "I have lived in this city for ten years."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates that the action (living in the city) started in the past and is still ongoing.
2. "She has worked at this company since 2015."
• Explanation: This sentence shows that she began working at the company in 2015 and continues to work there now.
3. "They have been friends since high school."
• Explanation: This sentence highlights a friendship that started in high school and continues to the present day.
4. "We have studied English together for three months."
• Explanation: This sentence describes an ongoing study activity that began three months ago and is still happening.
5. "He has owned that car for five years."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates that he bought the car five years ago and still owns it now.

 

Present Perfect Tense to describe actions that happened in the recent past, along with brief explanations for each:

1. "I have just finished my homework."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates that the action of finishing homework happened very recently.
2. "She has recently started a new job."
• Explanation: This sentence shows that the action of starting a new job happened in the recent past.
3. "They have just returned from their vacation."
• Explanation: This sentence suggests that the action of returning from vacation occurred very recently.
4. "He has already eaten breakfast."
• Explanation: This sentence emphasizes that the action of eating breakfast was completed recently and possibly sooner than expected.
5. "We have just received the news."
• Explanation: This sentence indicates that the action of receiving the news happened very recently.

 

Present Perfect Tense to describe actions that have happened repeatedly in the past, along with brief explanations for each

  "I have visited Paris several times."

• Explanation: This sentence indicates that the action of visiting Paris has occurred on multiple occasions without specifying exact times.

  "She has read that book three times."

• Explanation: This sentence shows that the action of reading the book has happened repeatedly, indicating familiarity with the content.

  "They have watched that movie multiple times."

• Explanation: This sentence describes the repeated action of watching the same movie, suggesting it is a favorite.

  "We have eaten at this restaurant many times."

• Explanation: This sentence indicates that dining at the restaurant is a frequent occurrence, implying preference or convenience.

  "He has played this game dozens of times."

• Explanation: This sentence highlights the repeated action of playing the game, suggesting it is an activity the person enjoys or practices often.

 

Present Perfect Tense, along with brief explanations:

Finished Actions:

1. "She has already left for the airport."
• Explanation: The action of leaving has been completed sooner than expected.
2. "I have just finished my homework."
• Explanation: The action of finishing the homework happened very recently.
3. "We have lived in this house for ten years."
• Explanation: The duration of living in the house is specified, indicating that it started in the past and continues into the present.

Unfinished Actions:

4. "They have been friends since childhood."
• Explanation: The friendship began in the past and is still ongoing.
5. "I haven’t seen that movie yet."
• Explanation: The action of seeing the movie is expected to happen but hasn't occurred up to now.
6. "Have you ever travelled to Europe?"
• Explanation: This question asks about any experience of traveling to Europe at any time in the past.
7. "She has never been late to class."
• Explanation: This statement indicates that the action of being late has not happened up to the present.
8. "How long have you been studying English?"
• Explanation: This question inquires about the duration of studying English from the past up to now.

Examples in Sentences:

1. "He has already completed the project."
• Explanation: The project was completed sooner than anticipated.
2. "They have just returned from vacation."
• Explanation: The action of returning happened very recently.
3. "We have worked here for many years."
• Explanation: The duration of working here spans many years and continues into the present.
4. "She has known him since they were children."
• Explanation: The acquaintance began in childhood and continues to the present.
5. "I haven’t finished my book yet."
• Explanation: The action of finishing the book is expected but hasn't happened up to now.
6. "Have you ever tried sushi?"
• Explanation: This question asks about any past experience of trying sushi.
7. "I have never seen such a beautiful sunset."
• Explanation: Indicates that the experience of seeing a beautiful sunset hasn't occurred up to now.
8. "How long have you been living in this city?"
• Explanation: This question asks about the duration of living in the city from the past to the present.

 

Unfinished Time

1. "She has lived in London since 2015."
• Explanation: Indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present.
2. "I have worked at this company for five years."
• Explanation: Shows a duration of time up to now.
3. "They have been friends since childhood."
• Explanation: Describes a relationship that started in the past and still exists.

No Time Expression

1. "He has broken his leg."
• Explanation: States a recent event with relevance to the present without specifying when it happened.
2. "We have seen that movie."
• Explanation: Expresses an experience without mentioning the exact time.
3. "You have completed the project."
• Explanation: Indicates an accomplishment affecting the current situation.

Finished Time Expression

1. "She has written three books."
• Explanation: Mentions a completed action with relevance to the present but without a specific time frame.
2. "They have visited Spain twice."
• Explanation: Highlights repeated experiences without specifying exact dates.
3. "He has lost his keys."
• Explanation: Describes a past action that affects the present moment (cannot find the keys now).
4. "I have made dinner."
• Explanation: Indicates a completed action that impacts the present (dinner is ready).

 

Present Perfect Tense vs. Past Simple Tense

1. Present Perfect:

• Sentence: I have visited Paris three times.
• Explanation: This tense is used to talk about an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and may have relevance to the present.

1. Past Simple:

• Sentence: I visited Paris last year.
• Explanation: This tense is used to talk about an action that happened at a specific time in the past and is now completed.

Difference: The present perfect tense (have visited) implies that the visits could happen again in the future or are relevant now, whereas the past simple tense (visited) indicates a specific completed action in the past.

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2. Present Perfect:

• Sentence: She has finished her homework.
• Explanation: This tense is used to indicate that an action was completed at some point in the past, and it has relevance to the present moment.

2. Past Simple:

• Sentence: She finished her homework last night.
• Explanation: This tense is used for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past.

Difference: The present perfect tense (has finished) does not specify when the action was completed, only that it has been done. The past simple tense (finished) specifies exactly when the action took place.

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3. Present Perfect:

• Sentence: They have lived in this city for five years.
• Explanation: This tense suggests that they started living there in the past and are still living there now.

3. Past Simple:

• Sentence: They lived in this city for five years.
• Explanation: This tense indicates that they lived there for a specific duration in the past, but they do not live there anymore.

Difference: The present perfect tense (have lived) implies continuity up to the present, while the past simple tense (lived) implies that the period of living there has ended.

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4. Present Perfect:

• Sentence: He has just eaten breakfast.
• Explanation: This tense indicates that the action happened very recently and has relevance to the present moment.

4. Past Simple:

• Sentence: He ate breakfast at 8 AM.
• Explanation: This tense specifies the exact time when the action took place.

Difference: The present perfect tense (has eaten) emphasizes the recentness of the action without a specific time, while the past simple tense (ate) provides a specific time when the action occurred.

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5. Present Perfect:

• Sentence: We have known each other since childhood.
• Explanation: This tense indicates an ongoing state that began in the past and continues to the present.

5. Past Simple:

• Sentence: We knew each other in childhood.
• Explanation: This tense indicates a relationship that existed at a specific time in the past but does not necessarily continue to the present.

 

 

some specific mistakes:

1. Incorrect Use of Time Expressions:
• Error: "I have been to Paris last year."
• Correction: "I went to Paris last year."
• Explanation: Time expressions like "last year" refer to a specific point in the past and should be used with the simple past tense, not the present perfect tense.
2. Omitting "Have" or "Has":
• Error: "She finished her homework."
• Correction: "She has finished her homework."
• Explanation: The present perfect tense requires the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" before the past participle.
3. Using Present Perfect with Exact Dates:
• Error: "I have visited the museum in 2020."
• Correction: "I visited the museum in 2020."
• Explanation: The present perfect tense is not used with specific dates. The simple past tense is more appropriate here.
4. Confusing Present Perfect with Simple Present:
• Error: "She has known him since two years."
• Correction: "She has known him for two years."
• Explanation: When indicating duration, "for" is used, not "since."
5. Overusing the Present Perfect with Repeated Actions:
• Error: "I have eaten breakfast at 7 AM every day."
• Correction: "I eat breakfast at 7 AM every day."
• Explanation: The present perfect tense is not typically used to describe habitual actions. The simple present tense is used instead.

 

  Using "Since" with Non-Specific Time:

• Error: "I have lived here since five years."
• Correction: "I have lived here for five years."
• Explanation: "Since" is used with specific points in time (e.g., "since 2010"), while "for" is used with durations (e.g., "for five years").

  Incorrect Word Order in Questions:

• Error: "You have finished your homework?"
• Correction: "Have you finished your homework?"
• Explanation: In questions, the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" should come before the subject.

  Using Simple Past After "Already":

• Error: "I already ate."
• Correction: "I have already eaten."
• Explanation: "Already" is often used with the present perfect tense to indicate that something has happened sooner than expected.

  Using Present Perfect for Actions Not Relevant to the Present:

• Error: "He has left the party an hour ago."
• Correction: "He left the party an hour ago."
• Explanation: When specifying a time in the past, the simple past tense is used instead of the present perfect.

  Using Present Perfect for Completed Actions in a Finished Time Period:

• Error: "I have seen that movie yesterday."
• Correction: "I saw that movie yesterday."
• Explanation: The present perfect tense should not be used with finished time periods like "yesterday." The simple past tense is appropriate here.

 

  ncorrect Use with "Ever" in Statements:

• Error: "I ever visited Paris."
• Correction: "I have ever visited Paris."
• Explanation: "Ever" is usually used in questions or negative sentences with the present perfect tense (e.g., "Have you ever visited Paris?").

  Using Present Perfect Instead of Simple Past for Known Times:

• Error: "I have seen that movie last week."
• Correction: "I saw that movie last week."
• Explanation: Specific time expressions like "last week" require the simple past tense, not the present perfect.

  Confusing Present Perfect with Past Perfect:

• Error: "I have finished my homework before I went out."
• Correction: "I had finished my homework before I went out."
• Explanation: The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past.

  Using Present Perfect with "When" Clauses:

• Error: "When I have finished my work, I will call you."
• Correction: "When I finish my work, I will call you."
• Explanation: The present perfect tense is not used in clauses with "when" to refer to future actions. The simple present tense is used instead.

  Using Present Perfect with Ongoing States Without "For" or "Since":

• Error: "She has been here two hours."
• Correction: "She has been here for two hours."
• Explanation: When indicating the duration of an ongoing state, "for" or "since" should be included.

 

 

 

Present perfect tense with regular verbs

Positive Sentences

1. She has walked to the park.
• Explanation: This indicates that she completed the action of walking to the park at some point in the past and it has relevance to the present.
2. They have finished their homework.
• Explanation: This means they completed their homework sometime before now and it is relevant to the current situation.

Negative Sentences

1. He has not (hasn't) cleaned his room.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, he has not done the action of cleaning his room.
2. We have not (haven't) watched that movie.
• Explanation: This means that up to the present moment, we have not had the experience of watching that movie.

Interrogative Sentences

1. Have you visited the new museum?
• Explanation: This is a question asking if, at any time before now, you have completed the action of visiting the new museum.
2. Has she applied for the job?
• Explanation: This is asking whether she has completed the action of applying for the job at any point in the past up to now.

 

 

 

Practice Sentences

 

  "I have visited the Grand Canyon."

• Explanation: This sentence indicates an experience that occurred at some unspecified time in the past.

  "She has finished her homework."

• Explanation: This sentence shows a completed action that has relevance to the present (the homework is done now).

  "They have lived in New York for five years."

• Explanation: This sentence describes a situation that started in the past and continues into the present.

  "We have known each other since childhood."

• Explanation: This sentence indicates a relationship that began in the past and is still ongoing.

  "He has just arrived at the airport."

• Explanation: This sentence uses "just" to indicate that the action happened very recently.

  "You have already eaten dinner."

• Explanation: This sentence emphasizes that the action was completed sooner than expected.

  "I have never been to Japan."

• Explanation: This sentence expresses a life experience that has not happened up to the present.

  "Have you ever seen a shooting star?"

• Explanation: This interrogative sentence asks about an experience at any time in the past.

  "They have not decided on a venue for the wedding yet."

• Explanation: This negative sentence with "yet" indicates that the action is expected to happen in the future.

  "The company has grown significantly over the past decade."

• Explanation: This sentence describes a change that has occurred over a period of time.

 

  "I have traveled to three different continents."

• Explanation: This sentence highlights life experiences without specifying the time.

  "She has completed her degree in biology."

• Explanation: This sentence indicates an achievement that has relevance now (she now has a degree).

  "They have moved to a new house recently."

• Explanation: This sentence shows a recent change that affects their current situation.

  "We have worked together on several projects."

• Explanation: This sentence describes repeated actions that took place in the past up to the present.

  "He has never tried sushi before."

• Explanation: This sentence indicates that he has no experience with sushi up to now.

  "You have just missed the bus."

• Explanation: This sentence uses "just" to show that the action occurred very recently.

  "I have read that book already."

• Explanation: This sentence emphasizes that the action happened sooner than expected.

  "Have you finished your assignment yet?"

• Explanation: This question asks about the completion of an action, implying it is expected to be finished.

  "They have known each other since high school."

• Explanation: This sentence describes a relationship that started in the past and continues into the present.

  "The weather has improved over the past few days."

• Explanation: This sentence describes a change that has taken place over a period of time.

 

 

Fill in the Blanks

1. I ______ (finish) my homework.
2. She ______ (bake) a cake for the party.
3. They ______ (not/arrive) yet.
4. We ______ (visit) that museum several times.
5. He ______ (not/clean) his room.
6. ______ you ______ (see) the new movie?
7. ______ she ______ (complete) the project?
8. We ______ (plan) our vacation for next month.
9. They ______ (not/start) the meeting yet.
10. I ______ (try) that new restaurant.

Answers and Explanations

1. I have finished my homework.
• Explanation: This indicates that the action of finishing homework was completed at some point in the past and is relevant to the present.
2. She has baked a cake for the party.
• Explanation: This means she completed the action of baking a cake at some point before now and it is relevant to the current situation.
3. They have not (haven't) arrived yet.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, they have not done the action of arriving.
4. We have visited that museum several times.
• Explanation: This means that on multiple occasions before now, we have completed the action of visiting the museum.
5. He has not (hasn't) cleaned his room.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, he has not done the action of cleaning his room.
6. Have you seen the new movie?
• Explanation: This is a question asking if, at any time before now, you have completed the action of seeing the new movie.
7. Has she completed the project?
• Explanation: This is asking whether she has finished the project at any point in the past up to now.
8. We have planned our vacation for next month.
• Explanation: This means that at some point in the past, we completed the action of planning our vacation, and it is relevant now.
9. They have not (haven't) started the meeting yet.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, they have not begun the meeting.
10. I have tried that new restaurant.
• Explanation: This means at some point before now, I have completed the action of trying the new restaurant.

 

 

Fill in the Blanks

1. We ______ (decorate) the house for the party.
2. They ______ (finish) the project ahead of schedule.
3. He ______ (not/return) the book to the library.
4. You ______ (visit) your grandparents recently.
5. She ______ (learn) a new language.
6. ______ they ______ (complete) their homework?
7. ______ you ______ (hear) the news?
8. I ______ (not/see) her in a long time.
9. We ______ (organize) a surprise party for him.
10. She ______ (not/answer) my emails.

Answers and Explanations

1. We have decorated the house for the party.
• Explanation: This indicates that the action of decorating the house was completed at some point in the past and is relevant to the present.
2. They have finished the project ahead of schedule.
• Explanation: This means they completed the project before the expected time and it is relevant to the current situation.
3. He has not (hasn't) returned the book to the library.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, he has not done the action of returning the book.
4. You have visited your grandparents recently.
• Explanation: This means at some point before now, you have completed the action of visiting your grandparents.
5. She has learned a new language.
• Explanation: This indicates that at some point in the past, she completed the action of learning a new language and it is relevant now.
6. Have they completed their homework?
• Explanation: This is a question asking if, at any time before now, they have finished their homework.
7. Have you heard the news?
• Explanation: This is asking whether you have received the news at any point in the past up to now.
8. I have not (haven't) seen her in a long time.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, I have not seen her for a considerable period of time.
9. We have organized a surprise party for him.
• Explanation: This means that at some point before now, we completed the action of organizing a surprise party and it is relevant now.
10. She has not (hasn't) answered my emails.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, she has not responded to my emails.

 

 

Fill in the Blanks

1. They ______ (start) a new business.
2. He ______ (not/tidy) his desk.
3. We ______ (watch) that TV show many times.
4. You ______ (prepare) a wonderful dinner.
5. She ______ (not/call) me back yet.
6. ______ he ______ (finish) his assignment?
7. ______ they ______ (decide) on a date for the wedding?
8. I ______ (complete) the online course.
9. We ______ (not/visit) the new shopping mall.
10. She ______ (paint) a beautiful picture.

Answers and Explanations

1. They have started a new business.
• Explanation: This indicates that they have initiated a new business venture at some point in the past and it is relevant to the present.
2. He has not (hasn't) tidied his desk.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, he has not done the action of tidying his desk.
3. We have watched that TV show many times.
• Explanation: This means that on multiple occasions before now, we have completed the action of watching that TV show.
4. You have prepared a wonderful dinner.
• Explanation: This indicates that at some point in the past, you completed the action of preparing dinner and it is relevant now.
5. She has not (hasn't) called me back yet.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, she has not done the action of calling me back.
6. Has he finished his assignment?
• Explanation: This is a question asking if, at any time before now, he has completed his assignment.
7. Have they decided on a date for the wedding?
• Explanation: This is asking whether they have made the decision on the wedding date at any point in the past up to now.
8. I have completed the online course.
• Explanation: This means at some point before now, I have finished the online course and it is relevant now.
9. We have not (haven't) visited the new shopping mall.
• Explanation: This indicates that up until now, we have not been to the new shopping mall.
10. She has painted a beautiful picture.
• Explanation: This indicates that at some point in the past, she completed the action of painting a picture and it is relevant now.

 

 

Summary of Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions or events that have occurred at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. The present perfect is formed using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" followed by the past participle of the main verb.

Structure

• Positive Sentence: Subject + have/has + past participle
• Example: She has visited the museum.
• Negative Sentence: Subject + have/has + not + past participle
• Example: They have not (haven't) finished their work.
• Interrogative Sentence: Have/Has + subject + past participle?
• Example: Have you seen this movie?

Important Points and Rules

1. Use for Unspecified Time Before Now:
• The present perfect tense is used to indicate that an action happened at some point in the past before now. The specific time is not mentioned.
• Example: I have read that book. (The exact time is not important.)
2. Use for Life Experiences:
• It is used to talk about life experiences without mentioning when they occurred.
• Example: She has traveled to Japan. (It’s about her experience, not when she did it.)
3. Use for Changes Over Time:
• It is used to describe changes that have happened over a period of time.
• Example: The city has grown rapidly in the last decade.
4. Use for Accomplishments:
• It is used to list achievements or accomplishments.
• Example: Scientists have discovered a new planet.
5. Use for Multiple Actions at Different Times:
• It is used to talk about several different actions which have occurred in the past at different times.
• Example: I have visited Paris, London, and New York.
6. Use with 'For' and 'Since':
• Use "for" with a period of time.
• Example: They have lived here for ten years.
• Use "since" with a specific point in time.
• Example: She has worked here since 2010.
7. Use for Recently Completed Actions:
• It is used to describe actions that were recently completed and are relevant to the present.
• Example: I have just finished my homework.
8. Adverbs Commonly Used with Present Perfect:
• Adverbs like "ever," "never," "already," "yet," "just," "recently," and "lately" are often used with the present perfect tense.
• Examples: Have you ever been to Canada? / I have already eaten.

Examples

• Positive: She has cooked dinner. (The action of cooking dinner is completed.)
• Negative: He has not (hasn't) finished his project. (The action of finishing the project has not been completed.)
• Interrogative: Have they left the party? (Asking if the action of leaving the party has occurred.)

 

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