Present Perfect Tense
(See the video on Youtube.)
Present Perfect Tense can be used in three situations:
1. To indicate something that has happened at an indefinite time in the past.
- I have seen that movie already.
- She has left for California.
- They have not eaten their dinner yet.
2. To indicate something which started in the past and continues until now.
- I have lived in New York for nine years.
- We have been here since Friday.
- He has played football since he was a child.
3. To indicate something which occurred recently.
- I have been sick lately.
- She hasn’t slept much recently.
Notes:
When speaking about a specific time, use past tense.
| A: I have seen that movie already. | (Non-specific time) |
| B: Oh really? When did you see it? | |
| A: I saw it last week with Bob. | (Specific time) |
Some words should not be used in situation 2 (above)
| I have met John for five years. | (INCORRECT) |
| I have known John for five years. | (CORRECT) |
| I met John five years ago. | (CORRECT) |
| I have met John already. | (CORRECT) |
Sometimes, but not always, present perfect continuous can be used instead of present perfect.
| I have lived there for ten years | (Okay) |
| I have been living there for ten years. | (Okay) |
| I have exercised a lot recently. | (Okay) |
| I have seen that movie ten times. | (Okay) |
| I have been seeing that movie ten times. | (NOT Okay) |
For Practice: See
“For” or “Since” (from The Internet TESL Journal)
See also:
Present Perfect (from Englishpage.com)
If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us.