Definition: The present perfect defines an action that started in the past but has an effect in the present.
Example
They have gone home.
We’ve traveled to Morocco.
She’s done her homework.
He has cleaned his room.
1. We use the present perfect to discuss something which has happened in the past but is new information.
Example
There’s been traffic since morning. The roads are blocked. (There has been…)
Wow! You’ve cut your hair?
My neighbor has cooked four meals for her son’s birthday party.
Tino has finished sweeping the floor.
2. We use the present perfect when there is a connection between the past action and the present event. In other words, the action in the past has a result now.
Examples
I have lost my wallet. Maybe I forgot it at the bank.
She has forgotten her new classmate’s name.
Mama was supposed to go out at 5 pm as she had said. But she has not gone.
Dad can’t find his keys. Have you seen it?
3. We can use the present to compare gone (to) and been (to)
Examples
My aunty is on a business trip. She has gone to Egypt.
Paul is currently at home. He has been to the market twice.
4. We can add the auxiliary not when making a negative sentence in the present perfect tense.
Examples
She has not eaten her food.
They’ve not gone out to play football because of the rain. (they have not)
Titani has not paid the bills for this month.
The wind has not blown for 3hours as the weather forecasts predicted.
5. We can use have/ has verbs to ask questions in the present perfect tense.
Examples
Have you been to Malta?
Has she slept?
Have they left for school?
6. We can use the present perfect with some past simple verbs like did, had, and went.
Examples
Did= she just did her homework before you came.
Went= where’s Elizebeth? She has gone to school or she went to school.
Had= Are you still hungry? Do you want some more bread? Yes, I’ve had only a slice.
7. You can use the present perfect with verbs like just, yet, and already.
Just: this is referring to a short time ago when something happened.
Examples
Is she thirsty? I doubt it. She has just drank water.
When will they reach the house? The plane has just landed.
I have just arrived home. Please call me later.
Yet: this is used to show that something is expected to happen.
Exception: This is mostly used to ask questions and make negative sentences in the present perfect tense.
Examples
I have packaged the parcel, but l haven’t posted it yet?
Has it stopped snowing yet?
Has she gone to the saloon yet?
Already: this relates to actions that have happened sooner than expected.
Examples
We’ve already gone to the theatre. Can you meet us there?
Paulina has already left for the airport. The flight takes off at 4 pm.
We use the adverb ever to talk about experience up to the present:
Example
My mother’s funeral was the worst day I have ever had.
We use never for the negative form
Exercises
Fill up the answers in the blank space
1. Florence …….just (buy) a new car.
2…………you (see) it?
3. When did they ……(have)lunch?
4. They……(have) it at 1 pm.
5.We …….(have/ not/ be) to the new Cineplex.
6.Sallie is still in Toyko. She….. (have/ not/ go) to the US yet.
7. Uncle Sam isn’t back at home. I am worried. I …..(do/not) know where he….(have/ go) to.
8. They already…….(go) to the shopping mall.
9. My colleague cannot log on to the company web page. She ……..(have/ forget) the password.
10. Is the service at church still going on, or ………it…….already?(have/ finish)
11. Julie sent the invoice email last week, but l …….(have/ reply).
12. Are you just returning home? ……you (see) the new coffee maker?
13. They were very late for school. So, l ……(have/ask) them where they were.
14. Hello, may l speak with the Manager? I am afraid she……(have/ go) out.
15. What’s the most beautiful city you….(have/ visit)?
16. Is the driving class going well? Yes, l ……(have/not/have) any difficulties yet.
Practical exercise: Write sentences with the following verbs.
Travel
Be
Eat
Have
See
Read
Hear
Meet
Drive
Arrive
Finish
Drink
Ride
Run
Win
Use
Lose
To do more English exercises, click on this link.
