You are on page 1of 6

TIME EXPRESSIONS USED WITH THE PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

FOR - SINCE
(used as prepositions in sentences with a verb in the present perfect tense expressing that an action still goes on)
FOR: A period of time Bono has performed on stage for 20 years. SINCE: The moment when the action started I havent seen Mary since last week.

ALREADY - YET
(used as adverbs in sentences with a verb in the present perfect tense when we are talking about personal experiences) ALREADY: Sooner than expected (affirmative sentences and some questions) Theyve already sold 12 million bands. Have you already done your homework?
Mid position (before main verb)

YET: The speaker is expecting something to happen (negative sentences and questions) He hasnt found a sponsor yet. End position (end of sentence) Has the programme started yet?

Other TIME EXPRESSIONS used with the present perfect tense:


(In sentences with a verb in the present perfect tense when we are talking about personal experiences) JUST: Only a moment ago The train has just left.
Mid position (before main verb)

EVER: At any time Have you ever done any charity challenges? We havent ever eaten in this restaurant.
Mid position (before main verb)

NEVER: At no time Ive never been there.


Mid position (before main verb)

RECENTLY: At a time immediately before the present Has Janet talked to him recently?
Usually, end position

LATELY: Not long ago Have you seen her lately?


Usually, end position

ONCE: One time Ive been to London once in my life.


Usually, towards the end of sentence

TWICE: Two times Ive been to London twice in my life.


Usually, towards the end of sentence

THREE TIMES...: Ive been to Paris three times in the last 5 years.
Usually, towards the end of sentence

QUESTIONS
How long have you taught English at Secondary School? I have taught English at Secondary School for 18 years. Since when have you taught English at Secondary School? I have taught English at Secondary School since 1992.

You might also like