The Present Perfect tense links past actions to the present moment. We form it with have/has + past participle.
Uses of Present Perfect
- Continuing actions: Started in the past and still true.
Examples: I have lived here for five years. She has worked here since 2020.
- Unspecified time: Happened at some time before now.
Examples: I have visited Paris. He has seen that movie.
- Recent past with present result: Finished action affecting now.
Examples: I have lost my keys. She has finished her homework.
- Life experiences: Often with
ever or never.
Examples: Have you ever tried sushi? I have never flown on a plane.
Forming Present Perfect
Subject + have/has + past participle
- Have with: I, You, We, They.
Example: We have eaten lunch.
- Has with: He, She, It.
Example: She has traveled abroad.
- Regular verbs: past participle =
-ed form.
Example: work → worked.
- Irregular verbs: unique past participles.
Example: eat → eaten, go → gone.
- Negatives:
haven't / hasn't + past participle.
Example: I haven't seen that film.
- Questions:
Have / Has + subject + past participle?
Example: Have you finished yet?
Present Perfect vs. Simple Past
- Simple Past: Specific past time (yesterday, last week).
Example: I ate breakfast at 7 AM.
- Present Perfect: Unspecified time or continuing relevance.
Example: I have eaten breakfast (and I'm not hungry).