Present Perfect Grammar Guide mgr Anna Waligórska – Kotfas PWSZ Konin

Present PerfectPresent PerfectGrammarGrammar Guide Guide

mgr Anna Waligórska – Kotfas mgr Anna Waligórska – Kotfas PWSZ KoninPWSZ Konin

Verb FormVerb Form

We form the present perfect simple with We form the present perfect simple with

HAVE / HAS HAVE / HAS + + PAST PARTICIPLEPAST PARTICIPLE ((v+ed/3fv+ed/3f))

There There has beenhas been a serious decline in the a serious decline in the number of people qualifying as teachers.number of people qualifying as teachers.

HaHass SarahSarah finishedfinished the new brochure yet? the new brochure yet?

Verb FormVerb Form

We usually contract HASWe usually contract HAS // HAVE in speech HAVE in speech and informal writing:and informal writing:The filmThe film’’ss already already startedstarted – we’d better hurry. – we’d better hurry.WeWe’ve done’ve done shopping. shopping.

In negative sentences, we usually contract In negative sentences, we usually contract NOTNOT in speech and informal writing: in speech and informal writing:II’’ve beenve been to the shops today and they to the shops today and they haven’t haven’t startedstarted the summer sales yet. the summer sales yet.She She hasn’t beenhasn’t been to New York. to New York.

Verb FormVerb Form – Practice – Practice

Bill has seen her before.Bill has seen her before.

y/n? y/n?

wh-?wh-?

Verb FormVerb Form – Practice – Practice

Bill has seen her before.Bill has seen her before.

Bill hasn’t seen her before.Bill hasn’t seen her before.

y/n? y/n? Has he seen her before?Has he seen her before?

Yes, he has.Yes, he has.

No, he hasn’t.No, he hasn’t.

wh-?wh-? Who has he seen before?Who has he seen before?

BUT:BUT: When did he see her? When did he see her?

Use: Past Connected with PresentUse: Past Connected with Present

We can use the present perfect to say that We can use the present perfect to say that a finished action or event is a finished action or event is connected with connected with the presentthe present in some way in some way

I’ve broken my leg.I’ve broken my leg. (= My leg is broken.)(= My leg is broken.)

All the wars in history have taught us All the wars in history have taught us nothing.nothing. (=(= We know nothing.)We know nothing.)

CartoonCartoon


More examples:More examples:Mark has cleaned his shoes.Mark has cleaned his shoes. (= (= They are clean.)They are clean.)

The manor house has stood on this spot for over two The manor house has stood on this spot for over two hundred years.hundred years. (= (= It is still here.)It is still here.)

TThe avalanche has devastated the skiing industry in he avalanche has devastated the skiing industry in the area.the area. (result = the skiing industry is still having big (result = the skiing industry is still having big problems)problems)

Ms Brown has arrived. She’s in the staff room and is Ms Brown has arrived. She’s in the staff room and is ready to see you now.ready to see you now.


Compare these two sentences:Compare these two sentences:John Grisham John Grisham has writtenhas written some of the most some of the most successful legal thrillers.successful legal thrillers.

Agatha Christie Agatha Christie wrotewrote a huge number of a huge number of thrillers.thrillers.

In the In the firstfirst example the author example the author is still aliveis still alive and is able to and is able to write more successful books; in the write more successful books; in the secondsecond the author the author is deadis dead and therefore can’t write any more books. and therefore can’t write any more books.


We also use the present perfect to talk about We also use the present perfect to talk about actions which actions which happened in the past but may happened in the past but may happen again in the future. The period of time happen again in the future. The period of time in which the action took place is unfinishedin which the action took place is unfinished, so , so it may be repeated. The action may have it may be repeated. The action may have happened only once:happened only once:

I’ve only been to Hong Kong once, but I’d love I’ve only been to Hong Kong once, but I’d love to go again. to go again. ((==My life is still continuing, so I My life is still continuing, so I may go to Hong Kong again.)may go to Hong Kong again.)


Or it may have happened several times (i.e. a Or it may have happened several times (i.e. a repeated action):repeated action):NASA has sent probes to various planets in the NASA has sent probes to various planets in the solar system.solar system. ( (= when they did it is not = when they did it is not important important and and they they may send more)may send more)

Sometimes we know the time is not ‘finished’ Sometimes we know the time is not ‘finished’ because of the time phrases we use:because of the time phrases we use:This channel has shown about four wildlife This channel has shown about four wildlife documentaries documentaries this weekthis week!!

Use: ExperiencesUse: Experiences We often use the present perfect with We often use the present perfect with indefinite time indefinite time

adverbsadverbs ever / before / neverever / before / never that mean that mean at some/any time at some/any time up to nowup to now::HaveHave you you everever seen seen a ghost? a ghost?

HaveHave you you everever been been to the US? to the US?

I’m sure weI’m sure we’ve met ’ve met beforebefore..

She She has eatenhas eaten snails snails onceonce..

We We have have nevernever flown flown in a helicopter. in a helicopter.

I I have have nevernever experienced experienced any racism in athletics. any racism in athletics.

Use: ForUse: For

We often use the prepositionsWe often use the prepositions::

FORFOR (+ period of time) (+ period of time) My family has lived in this country My family has lived in this country for over for over twenty yearstwenty years..

The centre of the island has not been inhabited The centre of the island has not been inhabited for fifty yearsfor fifty years..

1010 1010 1010 1010 1010

Use: SinceUse: Since We often use the prepositionsWe often use the prepositions::

SINCESINCE (+ point in time) (+ point in time) The centre of the island has not been inhabited The centre of the island has not been inhabited sincesince (the earthquake of) (the earthquake of) 19521952..

My family has lived in this country My family has lived in this country since 1978since 1978..

19781978

PASTPAST PRESENTPRESENT

Use: SinceUse: Since When we use it as a conjunction, we usually use the When we use it as a conjunction, we usually use the past past

simple aftersimple after it: it:You’You’ve beenve been really moody ever really moody ever sincesince that letter that letter arrivedarrived. . What’s wrong?What’s wrong?

I have had a car I have had a car since since 2003.2003.I got it from my dad.I got it from my dad.

20032003My dad gave me a car.My dad gave me a car.

Use: Use: So FarSo Far / / Still Still SomeSome adverbsadverbs are commonly used with the present are commonly used with the present

perfect: perfect: so far so far / / still still / / latelylately / recently / recently

We’ve received over 20,000 entries for the competition We’ve received over 20,000 entries for the competition so farso far..

We We stillstill haven’t painted the room. haven’t painted the room.

Have you seen any good films Have you seen any good films recentlyrecently??

I I have been really busy have been really busy latelylately..

Use: Already / Just Use: Already / Just We use We use alreadyalready / / justjust with the affirmative with the affirmative sentences sentences

We’ve We’ve alreadyalready seen the film. seen the film. (= już)(= już)

The wedding of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills has The wedding of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills has justjust taken place in Ireland. taken place in Ireland. (= właśnie)(= właśnie)

‘‘I’ve I’ve justjust made a nice pot of tea. Would you like a cup?’ made a nice pot of tea. Would you like a cup?’ ‘No, thanks. I have ‘No, thanks. I have alreadyalready had one.’ had one.’

Note the word order: Note the word order: have/hashave/has + + ALREADYALREADY + + 3f3f JUSTJUST

Use: YetUse: Yet

We use We use yetyet with the negative and in questions with the negative and in questions::

They haven’t read this book They haven’t read this book yetyet.. (= jeszcze)(= jeszcze)

‘‘Have they announced the date Have they announced the date yetyet?’ ‘No, they ?’ ‘No, they still haven’t made up their mindsstill haven’t made up their minds.. (= już)(= już)

Note the word order: Note the word order: at the end of a sentenceat the end of a sentence

Use: With SuperlativesUse: With Superlatives We use the present perfect after We use the present perfect after

superlatives, e.g. the best/worst, the greatest, superlatives, e.g. the best/worst, the greatest, ordinal numbers, e.g. the first (second, third), the ordinal numbers, e.g. the first (second, third), the

only,only,often followed by often followed by everever::

It’s It’s the worstthe worst sports programme I sports programme I have ever have ever seenseen and and the firstthe first I I have ever writtenhave ever written to complain to complain about!about!

Many people consider Kennedy to be Many people consider Kennedy to be the the greatestgreatest President the USA President the USA has hadhas had..

Use: Use: beenbeen vs. vs. gonegone

beenbeen can be used to describe can be used to describe completed journeyscompleted journeys. So if you . So if you have have been been to England twice, to England twice, you have travelled there and you have travelled there and back twice. back twice.

I've I've beenbeen to Africa, but I've to Africa, but I've never been to Asia. never been to Asia. (= you are (= you are back in Poland, anyway back in Poland, anyway ))

If you have If you have gone gone to England, to England, you you have not yet returnedhave not yet returned. .

She’s She’s gonegone to the bank. She to the bank. She should be back in half an hour.should be back in half an hour.

Present Perfect vs. Past SimplePresent Perfect vs. Past Simple

Present perfect:Present perfect: unfinishedunfinished state/action state/action

Spain Spain has governedhas governed the enclave of Ceuta the enclave of Ceuta since 1580.since 1580.

Past simple:Past simple: finishedfinished state/action state/action

Spain Spain governedgoverned the state of Western the state of Western Sahara from 1958 to 1976.Sahara from 1958 to 1976.


Present perfect:Present perfect: unfinished timeunfinished time

I I haven't seenhaven't seen Keith this morning yet. Keith this morning yet.

(It's still (It's still morning.)morning.)

Past simple:Past simple: finished timefinished time

I I didn't seedidn't see Keith all this morning. Keith all this morning.

(It's now afternoon/evening.)(It's now afternoon/evening.)


Present perfectPresent perfect:: ppresent relevanceresent relevance

The Indian Government The Indian Government has imposedhas imposed a a ban on tiger hunting to prevent the ban on tiger hunting to prevent the extinction of tigers.extinction of tigers.

Past simplePast simple:: nno present relevanceo present relevance

The Indian Government The Indian Government imposedimposed a ban on a ban on tiger hunting a few years ago.tiger hunting a few years ago.


Present perfect:Present perfect: present relevancepresent relevance

‘‘How long have you had your car?’How long have you had your car?’

‘‘Since 2000.’Since 2000.’ (= you still(= you still own a own a car)car)

Past simple:Past simple: no present relevanceno present relevance

‘‘When did you buy your car?’When did you buy your car?’

‘‘In 2000.’In 2000.’ (= finished action in the past)(= finished action in the past)


Present perfect:Present perfect: indefinite timeindefinite time

I've beenI've been toto WashingtonWashington twice. twice.

Past simple:Past simple: definite timedefinite time

I I wentwent to to WashingtonWashington in 1999 in 1999

and and then I then I waswas inin Washington Washington in in 20002000..

Past Simple vs. Present PerfectPast Simple vs. Present Perfect

action action resultresult

PastPast PresentPresentSimple PastSimple Past Present PerfectPresent Perfect

in 2008in 2008 just / already / yetjust / already / yet

last yearlast year for two years / since Augustfor two years / since August

a month agoa month ago recently / latelyrecently / lately

Although Although

itit is quite difficult to grasp, is quite difficult to grasp,

try to use try to use

PRESENT PERFECTPRESENT PERFECT correctly. correctly.

ActivityActivity

Look at the pictures and write questions.Look at the pictures and write questions. Have you ever worked in a restaurant?Have you ever worked in a restaurant? Have you ever spoken English on the Have you ever spoken English on the

phone?phone? Have you ever driven a tractor?Have you ever driven a tractor? Have you ever been to Africa?Have you ever been to Africa? Have you ever done yoga?Have you ever done yoga?

beat – beat – beaten beat – beat – beaten draw – drew – drawn draw – drew – drawn fly – flew – flown fly – flew – flown shake – shook – shaken shake – shook – shaken shoot – shot – shotshoot – shot – shot show – showed – shownshow – showed – shown stand – stood – stoodstand – stood – stood steal – stole – stolensteal – stole – stolen teach – taught – taughtteach – taught – taught throw – threw – thrownthrow – threw – thrown

Activity: Activity: Have you ever … ?Have you ever … ? Choose seven phrases and write the correct questionsChoose seven phrases and write the correct questions

singsing // in public in public findfind // money money have have // hangoverhangover get drunkget drunk // party party shake handsshake hands // someone famous someone famous meetmeet // someone famous someone famous drinkdrink // goat’s milkgoat’s milk saysay // something you regret something you regret sellsell // a car a car shootshoot // a goala goal sit in a waiting roomsit in a waiting room // more than 3 more than 3

hours hours beat upbeat up // someonesomeone stand in linestand in line // more than 3 hours more than 3 hours telltell // a secret to a friend a secret to a friend decidedecide // to break up with someoneto break up with someone winwin // the lottery the lottery buildbuild // a model a model drawdraw // a cartoona cartoon

drive / for more than 8 hoursdrive / for more than 8 hours keep / diarykeep / diary fall / more than 10 feetfall / more than 10 feet break / promise break / promise fly / to fly / to HHong ong KKongong leave a class / early leave a class / early forget to do something importantforget to do something important lose / something valuablelose / something valuable grow / your own vegetablesgrow / your own vegetables spend / more than 1,000 zloty at once spend / more than 1,000 zloty at once be / be / to Pto Parisaris know / a politicianknow / a politician bring a pet / school bring a pet / school see / the sunrisesee / the sunrise catch / a fish catch / a fish show someone around your townshow someone around your town steal / gumsteal / gum teach / anything teach / anything throw / a partythrow / a party

A: A: Have you ever done yoga?Have you ever done yoga?

B: (B: () ) Yes, I Yes, I havehave.. B: (B: () ) No, I No, I haven’thaven’t..

A: (A: () ) So So havehave I. I. A: (A: () ) Nor Nor havehave I. I.

A: (A: () ) I I haven’thaven’t. . A: (A: () ) I I havehave..

Activity: Activity: Have you ever … ?Have you ever … ?

Ask a question, note down the name and mark Ask a question, note down the name and mark the answer, change partner to ask another the answer, change partner to ask another question question

Have you ever broken a promise?Have you ever broken a promise?

Zuzia: Zuzia:

Have you ever had a hangover?Have you ever had a hangover?

Paweł: Paweł:

Activity: Activity: Have you ever … ?Have you ever … ?

Write full sentences and add info about yourselfWrite full sentences and add info about yourself

Zuzia has broken a promise and so have I.Zuzia has broken a promise and so have I.

Steve has caught a fish but I haven’t.Steve has caught a fish but I haven’t.

Paweł hasn’t had a hangover and nor have I.Paweł hasn’t had a hangover and nor have I.

Darek hasn’t seen a sunrise but I have.Darek hasn’t seen a sunrise but I have.

TRUE? TRUE? oror FALSE?FALSE?

A:A: Have you ever got dressed entirely Have you ever got dressed entirely in red?in red?

B:B: Yes, I have. Yes, I have.

When I was at university red was my favourite colour When I was at university red was my favourite colour and the majority of my clothes were red: a coat, a skirt, and the majority of my clothes were red: a coat, a skirt, a waistcoat, a few shirts, a tiea waistcoat, a few shirts, a tie and many accessories: and many accessories: a handbag, a hat, gloves, shoes. a handbag, a hat, gloves, shoes.

So very often I was dressed in red only. My friends So very often I was dressed in red only. My friends used to callused to call me Lady in Red. me Lady in Red.

TRUE? TRUE? oror FALSE?FALSE?

A:A: Have you ever been to a casino?Have you ever been to a casino?

B:B: Yes, I have. Yes, I have.

I went to the casino when I visited Niagara Falls a few I went to the casino when I visited Niagara Falls a few years ago. There is one of the most famous casinos in years ago. There is one of the most famous casinos in Canada. Canada.

I played roulette and cards, drank Martini and tried my I played roulette and cards, drank Martini and tried my luck with an one-armed bandit. luck with an one-armed bandit.

Unfortunately, I didn’t win any money but I had a lot of Unfortunately, I didn’t win any money but I had a lot of fun and met some marvellous people.fun and met some marvellous people.

Nightmare jobsNightmare jobs

OOrder the piecesrder the pieces::

Nightmare jobs What’s the worst thing that has ever happened in your job? Polly: a vet

Leo: an actor

Probably the dog that bit me. It wasn’t a big one – I don’t mind the big ones. The small ones are the worst. It gave me a vary nasty bite.

So many bad things have happened – but I think my worst moment was when I read my first bad review in the newspaper. They wrote terrible things about me, and I was so upset. Now I don’t read my reviews any more

Have you ever done any other jobs? Polly: a vet

Leo: an actor

Yes, I did various jobs when I was a student. One summer I did fruit-picking in France, Spain and Greece.

Oh, yes, it’s hard to make a living as an actor. So I’ve done lots of part-time jobs over the years. For example, I’ve worked in a shop, sold ice cream on the beach and handed out publicity flyers in the street.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever done? Polly: a vet

Leo: an actor

I worked as an au pair for a rich family in New York. I never had a day off and I had to do everything – cooking, cleaning, shopping – and look after their horrible children. I left after two weeks and managed to get a job as a waiter in an Italian restaurant.

The worst job I’ve ever done was at an egg-packing factory. Working conditions are terrible – you stand for hours at the end of a conveyor belt, putting eggs into boxes. You can’t have a break, and if you want to go to the toilet, you have to ask for permission. And worst of all, the smell was disgusting – I’ve never eaten an egg since then.


Answer the questions from memoryAnswer the questions from memory:: Who’s done lots of part-time jobs?Who’s done lots of part-time jobs? Who’s been fruit-picking?Who’s been fruit-picking? Who’s looked after horrible children?Who’s looked after horrible children? Who’s sold ice cream on the beach?Who’s sold ice cream on the beach? Who’s worked in a factory?Who’s worked in a factory? Who’s worked as a waiter?Who’s worked as a waiter?


Who’s done lots of Who’s done lots of part-time jobs?part-time jobs?

LeoLeo Who’s been fruit-Who’s been fruit-

picking?picking?

PollyPolly Who’s looked after Who’s looked after

horrible children?horrible children?

PollyPolly

Who’s sold ice cream Who’s sold ice cream on the beach?on the beach?

LeoLeo Who’s worked in a Who’s worked in a

factory?factory?

LeoLeo Who’s worked as a Who’s worked as a

waiter?waiter?

PollyPolly

just / yetjust / yet

A: A: You lookYou look ADJECTIVEADJECTIVE.. What has happened?What has happened?

B: B: I have justI have just PAST PARTICIPLE + PHRASEPAST PARTICIPLE + PHRASE..

A: A: Have youHave you PAST PARTICIPLE + PHRASEPAST PARTICIPLE + PHRASE yet?yet?

B: B: Not yet, but I’m going to.Not yet, but I’m going to.

fallfall

grow upgrow up

take offtake off

turn sth onturn sth on

Documents

Present Perfect Grammar Guide mgr Anna Waligórska – Kotfas PWSZ Konin