English Present Perfect Use and Examples
Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010
by Jack Askew
http://www.jdaenglish.com
This article will look at when the present perfect simple is used along with some examples.
The first thing to note is that the present perfect simple can't be used with specific time expressions: yesterday, two days ago, last night etc. Time expressions used with the present perfect are: this week (month, year), today, for, since, ever, never, already, yet, still.
"Have you ever?"
This is a common question in English. Whenever you are getting to know someone new you always end up asking them what they have experienced. When we are asking the question we are not interested in when the experience took place but if it took place. Look out for - "never," "ever" and "before."
- I have been to France.
- Have you ever played chess?
- We haven't met him before.
- She has never eaten sushi.
"I've been a teacher for."
The present perfect is also used to talk about an action that started in the past and continues in the present (and probably will continue in the future). Look out for "for" and "since"
- I've been a student for two years.
- She hasn't seen him since Saturday.
- How long have you worked here?
"Ouch, I've cut my finger." We also use the present perfect to talk about new information or a change.
- I've bought a new watch. (I didn't have one but I do now).
- She's left. (She was here and now she isn't).
- They've gone to Spain. (They were here yesterday but now they are in Spain).
This is used to talk about an action when we are still waiting for it to be completed. Look out for - "still."
- She still hasn't arrived.
- They still haven't done it.
- The game still hasn't finished.
Test Your Knowledge
To look at more examples and to test your knowledge of the English present perfect simple go to Present Perfect Examples and Test.
Or you can practise your spoken English by taking English classes with our native tutors online at English Classes by Skype.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)The different tenses have always been difficult for me when learning Italian. I'm sure it's just as confusing for somebody learning English!
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