CONTENT
The present perfect simple tense, or present perfect, is used to describe completed past actions and experiences that have an influence on or connection to the present. However, exact time of the action is not important when it comes to using present perfect.
As this tense is a tricky one, here are some of the typical signal words that will help you recognize preset perfect simple: ever, already, just, not yet,
for, since, so far.
Example
Explanation
I have read this book already.
Present perfect simple is used to express a completed action in the past.
Conjugation
Rule 1: To conjugate the present perfect tense, we use the present form of the auxiliary verb have and the past participle of the main verb.
Here is an overview of the conjugation in positive, negative and interrogative sentences for both regular and irregular verbs:
| Person | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | I have walked / driven | You have not walked / driven | Have they walked / driven? |
| he / she / it | He has walked / driven | She has not walked / driven | Has it walked / driven? |
| Person | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | I have walked / driven | You have not walked / driven | Have they walked / driven? |
| he / she / it | He has walked / driven | She has not walked / driven | Has it walked / driven? |
Note: In spoken and informal written English, we can use contractions in the present perfect tense using the auxiliary verb have:
| Long Form | Short Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| have / have not | 've / 've not; haven't | they've / they've not; they haven't |
| has / has not | 's / 's not; hasn't | he's / he's not; he hasn't |
| Long Form | Short Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| have / have not | 've / 've not; haven't | they've / they've not; they haven't |
| has / has not | 's / 's not; hasn't | he's / he's not; he hasn't |
Usage
Rule 2: We can use the present perfect tense to describe completed actions that have an influence on the present, usually without a specific time marker.
Example
Explanation
I have already turned my essay in, now I'm waiting for the mark.
Present perfect expresses an action in the past that influences the present, but we don't know when the essay was sent.
Rule 3: We can use the present perfect tense to describe past experiences with the signal words ever and never.
Example
Explanation
Have you ever been to Mexico?
Present perfect is used to ask about past experience using the signal word ever.
Rule 4: We can use the present perfect tense to describe recently completed actions, usually with the signal word just.
Example
Explanation
She has just bought this dress.
Present perfect expresses an action that took place recently.
Rule 5: We can use the present perfect tense to describe actions that did or did not happen up to the moment of speaking, using signal words already and yet.
Example
Explanation
I have not finished my lunch yet.
Present perfect expresses an action that did not happened up to the moment of speaking.
Rule 6: We can use the present perfect tense to describe how often or how many times something happened up to now.
Example
Explanation
You have asked him at least three times to wash the dishes.
Present perfect expresses an action that has happened at least three times already.
Rule 7: We can use the present perfect tense to describe situations that began in the past and continue up to the present, using signal words for and since.
Example
Explanation
He has wanted to become a lawyer for years.
Present perfect expresses a state that has begun in the past and still continues in the present.
Quiz
1/4
Complete the sentence. I ___ just read the news.
0
correct answers.