Present Perfect Tense
Master the present perfect tense for expressing completed actions with present relevance
What Is the Present Perfect Tense?
The present perfect tense connects the past to the present. It describes actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past but have relevance or impact on the present moment.
This tense is formed using "have" or "has" + the past participle of the main verb.
How to Form the Present Perfect
Basic Structure
Subject + have/has + past participle
I have finished my work.
She has visited Paris.
They have studied English.
Past Participles
Regular verbs: add "-ed"
Irregular verbs: unique forms
work → worked
go → gone
see → seen
When to Use Present Perfect
Completed Actions with Present Results
Actions that happened in the past but affect the present
I have lost my keys. (I can't find them now)
She has broken her leg. (She can't walk now)
They have finished the project. (It's complete now)
Life Experiences
Things that have happened at some point in your life
I have been to Japan.
She has never eaten sushi.
They have traveled around the world.
Actions That Started in the Past and Continue
Actions that began in the past and are still happening
I have lived here for five years.
She has worked at this company since 2010.
They have known each other since childhood.
Common Time Expressions
Specific Time Words
Words that often go with present perfect
just, already, yet
never, ever, before
recently, lately, so far
Duration Expressions
For actions that continue over time
for + period of time
since + point in time
how long
Interactive Quizzes
Quiz 1: Form Present Perfect
Change these verbs to present perfect:
1. I (finish) my homework.
Answer: I have finished my homework.
2. She (go) to the store.
Answer: She has gone to the store.
Quiz 2: Choose the Right Tense
Which sentence uses present perfect correctly?
1. "I went to Paris last year" or "I have been to Paris"?
Answer: Both are correct, but "I have been to Paris" emphasizes the experience.
2. "I have finished my work yesterday" or "I finished my work yesterday"?
Answer: "I finished my work yesterday" (specific time needs simple past)
Quiz 3: Time Expressions
Complete with appropriate time expressions:
1. I have lived here _____ five years.
Answer: for
2. She has worked here _____ 2015.
Answer: since
Quiz 4: Present Perfect vs. Simple Past
Choose the correct tense:
1. I _____ (never/visit) New York before.
Answer: have never visited (present perfect for life experience)
2. I _____ (visit) New York in 2019.
Answer: visited (simple past for specific time)
Important Notes
• Don't use present perfect with specific past time expressions (yesterday, last week, in 2010).
• Use "for" with periods of time and "since" with points in time.
• Present perfect emphasizes the result or experience, while simple past focuses on when something happened.
• In American English, "have got" is often used instead of "have" in informal speech.
Pro Tip
Think of present perfect as a bridge between past and present. Ask yourself: "Does this past action have an impact on the present?" If yes, use present perfect.