Class III: Present Perfect

For this class we have the following goals:

• To identify and apply the Present Perfect. 

What is the Present Perfect?

• Video

The present perfect is used to indicate a link between the present and the past. The time of the action is before now but not specified, and we are often more interested in the result than in the action itself.

USE

ACTIONS STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUING IN THE PRESENT

• They haven't lived here for years.
• She has worked in the bank for five years.
• We have had the same car for ten years.
• Have you played the piano since you were a child?

WHEN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO HAS NOT FINISHED

• I have worked hard this week.
• It has rained a lot this year.
• We haven't seen her today.

ACTIONS REPEATED IN AN UNSPECIFIED PERIOD BETWEEN THE PAST AND NOW.

• They have seen that film six times
• It has happened several times already.
• She has visited them frequently.
• We have eaten at that restaurant many times.

ACTIONS COMPLETED IN THE VERY RECENT PAST (+JUST)

• Have you just finished work?
• I have just eaten.
• We have just seen her.
• Has he just left?

WHEN THE PRECISE TIME OF THE ACTION IS NOT IMPORTANT OR NOT KNOWN

• Someone has eaten my soup!
• Have you seen 'Gone with the Wind'?
• She's studied Japanese, Russian, and English

FORM

Present Perfect Positive Form Review

Subject + have +  past participle + objects

She/He/It + has +  past participle + objects

Examples:

Tom has lived in New York for ten years.
We have studied French since 2003.

Present Perfect Negative Form

Subject + have not + past participle + objects

She/He/It + has not + past participle + objects

Examples:

She hasn't met Peter.
They haven't finished the job yet.

Present Perfect Question Form

(Question Word) + have + subject + past participle?

(Question Word) + has + she/he/it + past participle?

Examples:

Has she worked her for a long time?
Where has she gone?

Yet / Just / Already

'Yet' is used in the present perfect negative and question forms.
'Just' is used in the present perfect positive form.
'Already' is used in the present perfect positive form.

Examples:

Have you finished the job yet?
She's just left for Chicago.
They've already eaten lunch.

Since / For

'Since' and 'for' are common time expressions used with the present perfect tense. 'Since' is used with specific dates. 'For' is used with periods of time.

Examples:

Janet has worked at this company since 2997.
We've lived in this house for five years.

Exercises

• Set 1 Affirmative Sentences

• Set 2 Negative Sentences

• Set 3 Questions