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Present_Perfect

Theory on the perfect present tense - english

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Present_Perfect

Theory on the perfect present tense - english

Uploaded by

justingoulet.0108
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Present Perfect

The present perfect is a verb tense which is used to show that an


action has taken place once or many times before now. The present
perfect is most frequently used to talk about experiences or changes
that have taken place, but there are other less common uses as well.
Form
The present perfect is formed using has/have + past participle.
Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and has/have.
Negatives are made with not.

Statement: You have seen that movie many times.


Question: Have you seen that movie many times?
Negative: You have not seen that movie many times.
Present Perfect
USE 1 Unspecified Time Before Now
We use the present perfect to say that an action happened at an
unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. You
CANNOT use the present perfect with specific time expressions such
as yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, that day, etc.
We CAN use the present perfect with unspecific expressions such as
ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, etc.

-People have not traveled to Mars yet.


-Nobody has ever climbed that mountain.
-I have seen that movie twenty times.
Present Perfect
The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English
learners. It is best to associate present perfect with the following
topics:
Present Perfect
TOPIC 1 Experience
You can use the present perfect to describe your experience. It is like
saying, "I have the experience of...." You can also use this tense to say
that you have never had a certain experience. The present perfect is
NOT used to describe a specific event.

I have been to France.


I have been to France three times.
I have never been to France.
Have you been to France?
Present Perfect
TOPIC 2 Change Over Time
We often use the present perfect to talk about change that has
happened over a period of time.

● You have grown since the last time I saw you.


● The government has become more interested in arts education.
● Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the
university since the Asian studies program was established.
● My English has really improved since I moved to Australia.
Present Perfect
TOPIC 3 Accomplishments
We often use the present perfect to list the accomplishments of
individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time.

● Man has walked on the Moon.


● Our son has learned how to read.
● Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.
● Scientists have split the atom.
Present Perfect
TOPIC 4 An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting
We often use the present perfect to say that an action which we
expected has not happened yet. Using the present perfect suggests
that we are still waiting for the action to happen.

● James has not finished his homework yet.


● Susan hasn't mastered Japanese, but she can communicate.
● Bill has still not arrived.
● The rain hasn't stopped.
Present Perfect
TOPIC 5 Multiple Actions at Different Times
We also use the present perfect to talk about several different
actions which have occurred in the past at different times. Present
perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are
possible.

● The army has attacked that city five times.


● I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this semester.
● We have had many major problems while working on this project.
● She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but
nobody knows why she is sick.
Present Perfect
Time Expressions with Present Perfect
When we use the present perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives
before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.

However, sometimes we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. We can do this
with expressions such as in the last week, in the last year, this week, this month, so far, up to now,
etc.

● Have you been to Mexico in the last year?


● I have seen that movie six times in the last month.
● They have had three tests in the last week.
● She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked for three
different
● companies so far.
● My car has broken down three times this week.
Present Perfect
USE 2 Duration From the Past Until Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
With non-continuous verbs and non-continuous uses of mixed verbs,
we use the present perfect to show that something started in the past
and has continued up until now. For five minutes, for two weeks, and
since Tuesday are all durations which can be used with the present
perfect.

● I have had a cold for two weeks.


● She has been in England for six months.
● Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.

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