English Present Perfect

How to Form the Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is formed by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb “have” or “has,” followed by the past participle (usually the -ed form) of the main verb:

[Subject] + have/has + [past participle]

Remember that “have” is used for the subjects “I,” “you,” “we” and “they” while “has” is used with “he,” “she” and “it.” For example:

I have been to Spain twice.

She has walked to school every day this year.

The subject is often contracted with the verb “have” or “has.” For example:

I’ve been to Spain twice.

She’s walked to school every day this year.

The Present Perfect with Adverbs

Sometimes, adverbs can be added to present perfect verb phrases to make them more specific. Often, these adverbs go between the auxiliary verb (“have” or “has”) and the past participle. For example:

She’s always known that she wants to be a doctor.

I’ve never eaten caviar before.

They’ve recently moved to a new city.

We’ve just finished our exams.

Have you ever tried Lebanese food?

When to Use the Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is used to describe past actions or experiences that have a connection to the present moment or are relevant to ongoing situations.

• To describe actions that started in the past and are still ongoing. This is different from the past simple tense, which describes actions that started and ended in the past.

He’s played tennis every Sunday for the last two years.

She’s lived in Paris for five years.

• When the exact time of the action is not specified. Instead, the focus is on the fact that the action has been completed or has occurred at some point before the present moment.

I’ve been to Italy twice.

She’s finished her homework.

• When there is a connection between the past action and the present situation or time frame. This connection could be indicated by the effects of the action still being felt, or by its influence on the present moment.

They’re tired because they’ve worked hard all week.

I’ve lost my keys, so I can’t get into the house.