Perfect Tenses Perfect Tenses

Developed byIvan Seneviratne

Present Perfect Tense

Function Examples

For an action that began in the past and is still going on(Usually used with ever, never, for and since)

She has worked in that factory for ten years.

I have not seen Sammy since last week.

The present perfect is formed by adding has or have to a past participle.

Past Perfect Tense

Function Examples

For an action that was completed before another took place

After she had done her work, she went out.

When the rain had stopped, we went to the shopping centre.

Used in indirect speechKen said, “I ate two apples.”

Ken said that he had eaten two apples.

The past perfect is formed by adding had to a past participle.

Future Perfect Tense

Function Examples

For an action which will be completed at a time in the future

Mother will have finished her cooking by 7 p.m.

By the time he arrives, we will have started the game.

The future perfect is formed by adding shall/will have to a past participle.

This presentation is developed by Ivan Seneviratne © 2007 purely for personal use.ivanthexplorer@yahoo.co.uk