Present Perfect

The Present Perfect is used to express actions that happened at an indefinite time or that began in the past and continue in the present. This tense is also used when an activity has an effect on the present moment.



Use

1. Actions which happened at an indefinite (unknown) time before now
   
2. Actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment
   
3. Actions which began in the past and continue in the present
   

 
USE 1: Indefinite (unknown) time before now


Use the Present Perfect to talk about actions that happened at some point in the past. It does not matter when exactly they happened.

Examples:

• I have already had a breakfast.
  
• He has been to England.
  

You should not use this tense with time expressions like "yesterday", "a week ago", "last year", etc.

Examples:

• I have seen it yesterday.
  
• We have gone to Paris last year
  

USE 2: Effect on the present moment


 
We also use this tense to when an activity has an effect on the present moment.

Examples:

• He has finished his work. (so he can now rest)
  
• I have already eaten the dinner. (so I'm not hungry)
  
• He has had a car accident. (that's why he is in the hospital)
  

USE 3: Continuation in the present


 
We often use the Present Perfect when we want to emphasize that an event continues in the present.

Examples:

• Mary has worked as a teacher for over 25 years.
  
• Patrick has achieved a lot in his life.
  
  
  
  
  
  Prepared by:
  Miss Ai_0952112