Present Perfect Tense Examples
Learn about actions that connect the past to the present
What Is Present Perfect Tense?
The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past but have relevance to the present. It is formed using "have/has" + the past participle of the verb.
Structure of Present Perfect
Basic Structure
Subject + have/has + past participle
I have finished
You have studied
Second person
He/She has worked
Third person singular
They have played
Third person plural
Uses of Present Perfect
Unfinished actions
I have lived here for 5 years
Recent past actions
I have just finished my homework
Life experiences
I have visited Paris
Past actions with present results
I have lost my keys
Common Time Expressions
Just
Very recently
Already
Before expected
Yet
Not happened so far
Never
At no time
Present Perfect Examples
I have lived here for 5 years. (Unfinished action)
She has just finished her work. (Recent action)
I have visited Paris three times. (Life experience)
I have lost my keys. (Past action with present result)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Present Perfect
Find the present perfect verbs in each sentence:
I have finished my homework.
Show Answer
Answer: have finished
She has lived here for 10 years.
Show Answer
Answer: has lived
They have visited that museum before.
Show Answer
Answer: have visited
Interactive Quiz 2: Complete with Present Perfect
Complete each sentence with present perfect:
I _____ (finish) my homework.
Show Answer
Answer: have finished
She _____ (live) here for 10 years.
Show Answer
Answer: has lived
They _____ (visit) that museum before.
Show Answer
Answer: have visited
Interactive Quiz 3: Present Perfect Uses
Identify the use of present perfect in each sentence:
1. "I have lived here for 5 years"
Show Answer
Answer: Unfinished action
2. "I have just finished my work"
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Answer: Recent past action
3. "I have visited Paris"
Show Answer
Answer: Life experience
Interactive Quiz 4: Present Perfect vs Simple Past
Choose the correct tense:
1. I _____ (live) here for 5 years. (still living here)
Show Answer
Answer: have lived (present perfect for unfinished action)
2. I _____ (live) in London in 2010. (specific time in past)
Show Answer
Answer: lived (simple past for finished action)
3. I _____ (visit) Paris. (life experience)
Show Answer
Answer: have visited (present perfect for experience)
Tips for Using Present Perfect
Connect Past to Present
Use present perfect when past actions have relevance to the present.
Remember the Structure
Always use "have/has" + past participle for present perfect.
Use Time Expressions
Common expressions include just, already, yet, never, ever.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Present perfect connects the past to the present - it shows how past actions affect now!