W H AT I T I S A N D H O W T O U S E I T

B Y E L L A B E N E M A N U E L

The Present Perfect Tense

In English there is more than one way to speak about the

past…….

past simple

Past progressive

Present perfect

past perfect

The present perfect is a way to talk about something that happened at an indefinite time in the past and continues in the present. This tense is also used when an activity has an effect on the present moment

• Actions which happened at an indefinite (unknown) time before now

• Actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment

• Actions which began in the past and continue in the present

Use

USE 1: Indefinite (unknown) time before now Use the Present Perfect to talk about actions that happened at some point in the past. It does not matter when exactly they happened.

Examples: I have already had a breakfast.He has been to England.

You should not use this tense with time expressions like "yesterday", "a week ago", "last year", etc.

We also use this tense to when an activity has an effect on the present moment.

Examples: He has finished his work. (so he can now rest)I have already eaten dinner. (so I'm not hungry)He has had a car accident. (that's why he is in the hospital)

USE 2: Effect on the present moment

USE 3: Continuation in the present

We often use the Present Perfect when we want to emphasize that an event continues in the present. Examples: Mary has worked as a teacher for over 25 years.Patrick has achieved a lot in his life.

More examples:She has never seen my brother. Neither of my brothers has ever driven a truck.

How the Present Perfect is formed:

v3

OK. Let’s go over the uses again:

USE 1: Indefinite (unknown) time before now Use the Present Perfect to talk about actions that happened at some point in the past. It does not matter when exactly they happened.

Use 2: Effect on the Present Moment

We also use this tense to when an activity has an effect on the present moment.

Examples: He has finished his work. (so he can now rest)I have already eaten dinner. (so I'm not hungry)He has had a car accident. (that's why he is in the hospital)

Use 3:We often use the Present Perfect when we want to emphasize that an event continues in the present.

How can we use the present perfect with this picture of Bibi?

Which use of the present perfect in these examples; 1,2 or 3?• I have bought new shades!

• I have already been to Paris.• John has been a plumber for 2

years• Someone has just taken my bag!

• Jane has never been so angry.• He has been our most serious

partner for so long that I can assure you he's a very reliable man.

Answers:

• I have bought new shades use 2

• I have already been to Paris use 1• John has been a plumber for 2

years use 3• Someone has just taken my bag!

use 1,2• Jane has never been so angry use 3• He has been our most serious

partner for so long that I can assure you he's a very decent man. use 3

Subject

+

Auxiliary verb + not

+

V3

e.g. I/a dog etc.

has not/have not

e.g. slept/take

n/gone etc.

The negative form of the present perfect

Examples Use

He hasn't taken any drugs for two years

(Use 3)

I haven't met my perfect partner yet

(Use 3)

They haven't contacted you, have they?

(Use 1)

s

Using negative forms of the present perfect; examples