Grammar Reference. Unit 7

7.0 Introduction to the Present Perfect

The same form (have + past participle) exists in many European languages, but the uses in English are different. In English, the Present Perfect is essentially a present tense, but it also expresses the effect of past actions and activities on the present.

PAST - PRESENT PERFECT - PRESENT

Present Perfect means "before now". The Present Perfect does not express when an action happened. If we say the exact time, we have to use Past Simple.

I my life, I have travelled to all seven continents.
I travelled around Africa in 1999.

7.1 The Present Perfect

Positive and negative form

I've lived in Rome.
You haven't lived in London.
He's worked in Berlin.
She hasn't worked in Paris.
We have played tennis.

Question

How long have I known Peter?
Who long have they known Mary?

Short answer

Have you always lived in Moscow?
Yes, I have.
No, I haven't.

Use

The Present Perfect expresses:

1. An action that began in the past and still continues (unfinished past).

We've lived in the same house for 25 years.
Peter's worked as a teacher since 1999.
How long have you known each other?
They've been married for 20 years.

Note: Many languages express this idea with a present tense, but in English this is wrong.

Peter has been a teacher for ten years.
NOT Peter is a teacher for ten years.

These time expressions are common with this use.

For two years since 1999.
For a month since the end of the class.
For a few minutes since 10 o'clock.
For a half an hour since 5 o'clock.
 

We use for with a period of time and since with a point in time.

2. An experience that happened at some time in one's life. The action is in the past and finished, but the effects of the action are still felt. When the action happened is not important.

I've been to the United States (I still remember.)
She's written poetry and children's stories. (In her writing career.)
Have you ever had an operation? (At any time in your life up to now.)
How many times has he been married? (In his life.)

The adverbs ever, never, and before are common with this use.

Have you ever been to Australia?
I've never tried bungee jumping (before).
I haven't tried sushi before.

Questions and answers about definite times are expressed in the Past Simple.

When did you go to the USA?
Was her poetry published while she was alive?
I broke my leg once, but I didn't have to stay in the hospital.
He met his second wife in the dry cleaner's.

3. A past action that has a present result. The action is usually in the recent past.

The taxi hasn't arrived yet. (We're still waiting for it.)
What have you done to your lip? (It's bleeding.)

We often announce news in the Present Perfect because the speaker is emphasizing the event as a present fact.

Have you heard? The Prime Minister has resigned.
Susan's had her baby!
I've ruined the meal.

Details about definite time will be in the Past Simple.

She resigned because she lost a vote of no confidence.
She had a baby boy this morning. It was a difficult birth.
I didn't watch it carefully enough.

The adverbs yet, already, and just are common with this use.

I haven't done my homework yet. (Negative)
Has the postman been yet? (Question)
I've already done my homework.
She's just had some good news.

Be careful with been and gone.

He's been to the United States. (experience - he isn't there now)
She's gone to the United States. (present result - she's there now)