The present perfect in English
In this article we will talk about the present perfect.
Form
The form of the present perfect is we put Subject + past participle.
I have done
We have done
You have done
He has done
She has done
It has done
They have done.
Remember for he, she and it we use “has” not “have”.
Now, how many ways do we use the present perfect. Well we use the present perfect in 3 ways.
Look at this triangle and always remember this triangle and if you need to watch the short video below a few times.
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Action started not finished.
1st of all we use the present perfect for “ACTION STARTED, NOT FINISHED”, for an action which has been started but not finished. For example.
“John has worked as a doctor for 3 years.” This means John started working as a doctor 3 years ago but is STILL working as a doctor. He has not finished.
“I have lived in New York for 6 years”. This means that I started living in New York 6 years ago but still live in New York.
Look at these examples and notice the difference.
‘David Beckham lived in Madrid for 4 years.’
‘David Beckham has lived in Los Angeles for 13 years.’
What is the difference?
In the first example we know that the action was started and finished.
In the second example we know that the action was started but is not finished.
We know this because of “has”.
The first sentence is ‘past simple’, action started and finished.
The second sentence is ‘present perfect, action started and not finished.
2nd use, life experience.
The second way that we use the present perfect is for an action that you have done at some time in your life. Here are some examples.
“Have you ever ridden a horse?”
This means that at some point in your life have you ever ridden a horse?
“Have you ever eaten spaghetti?”
This means that at some point in your life have you ever eaten spaghetti?
Some more examples below.
Have you ever been to the USA?
Have you ever seen the film ‘Batman’?
Have you ever driven a ferrari?
3. Action finished recently.
Example.
“I have just finished jogging which is why I am still sweating.”
You finished jogging a few minutes ago but are still jogging.
“I have just finished my class and will go home”.
You finished your class a few minutes ago and will go home now.
This is often used in the news so we often see sentences such as
“The government has announced a new law”, because it happened recently, a short time ago.
To understand the present perfect, always remember the triangle above and the 3 ways that we can use the present perfect!
Want more examples or explanation, ask in the comments section below!