The Present Perfect Tense

Uses


1. We use the Present Perfect tense when we want to talk about something in the past,
but when it is not important when the action was. The action has an effect in the
present:
I've broken my arm as you
can see.
- I broke my arm at some point and now I have a plaster cast
on it.
I can't go on holiday
because I have broken my
leg.
- At some point in the past, I broke my leg. As a result, I can't
go on holiday now.
The train has left the
station.
- The train left the station some time ago (it is not important
whether it is an hour or a minute ago). The effect is that it is
not here now.
Have you locked all the
doors?

Our neighbours have
bought a new car.

This is the first time I have
eaten Japanese food.
- The action is happening now. It marks a new experience in
my life.
I've bought something to
eat.

I haven't found her phone
number yet.

Why haven't you read this
book?

We've eaten all our food.
2.
3. We also use the Present Perfect tense when we want to describe something that
started in the past and has continued to this day. We use the tense with the words
"since" and "for":
o When we want to say when the action started, we use "since":
Tom has lived in Wrocaw since 1980.
I have met Miss Brown five times since February.
Her mother has been a teacher since 1972.
o
o When we want to ask the time something started, we can use "since when".
However, it is better to ask a question with "How long":
Since when haven't you seen your
grandmother?
- Better: How long haven't you seen your
grandmother?
Since when have you known him? - Better: How long have you known him?
o
o When we want to say how long something has happened, we use "for":
They haven't seen you for seven weeks.
I have learned English for sixteen years.
I've lived in this house for five years.
o
o When we want to know the length of time of an action, we use "how long":
How long have you known Mary's husband?
How long has she had this car?
Forming sentences in the Present Perfect

Forming positive statements




PERSON + "have" + III form of the VERB + OBJECT
I have seen him in the shop.
You have seen him in the shop.
He / she / it has seen him in the shop.
We / you / they have seen him in the shop.


Forming questions




"have" + PERSON + III form of the VERB + OBJECT
Have I seen him in the shop?
Have you seen him in the shop?
Has he / she / it seen him in the shop?

Have we / you / they seen him in the shop?

Forming negatives




PERSON + VERB "have" + "not" + III form of the VERB + OBJECT
I have not seen him in the shop!
You have not seen him in the shop!
He / she / it has not seen him in the shop!
We / you / they have not seen him in the shop!


Additional points




have
not
= haven't
has not = hasn't


The third form of the verb is formed like this:
1. With regular verbs, add "-ed" e.g:


work - worked
fail - failed


2.
3. With irregular verbs, you need to remember the third form for each one.