present perfect
advanced grammar
What is the present perfect form in English? Do you know how to use it? If you are unsure, this blog post is for you! Let us know if this was helpful. Remember to sign up for your free first lesson to discuss any questions you might have with your favorite Fluentella teacher!
What is the present perfect tense?
It shows experience (started in the past and continued until now)
It shows the passing of time (specified/unspecified)
Some adverbs that are commonly used with it: ever/never/already
Pay attention to the form:
S + has/have (not) + past participle / V3 + O
I have been to that zoo.
*Remember: the past participle CAN’T be the only verb in the sentence, it needs an auxiliary verb (have/has)
What is a past participle / V3?
Simple form – Simple past – Past Participle
V1 V2 V3
Fly Flew Flown
Look Looked Looked
Contractions used with the present perfect:
Remember that contractions are generally used in spoken English and it’s important to pronounce them correctly:
I have = I’ve /ʌɪv/
You have = You’ve /juːv,jʊv/
They have = They’ve /ðeɪv/
We have = We’ve /wiːv,wɪv/
He has = He’s /hɪz/
She has = She’s /ʃɪz/
Have not = Haven’t /ˈhav(ə)nt/
Has not = Hasn’t /ˈhaz(ə)nt/
What is the difference between ‘for’ and ‘since’?
For = the duration of time (total)
Since = a specific point in the past the action started
Present perfect question / short answer forms:
The form: Have / Has + S + PP + O?
Question: Have you seen the cat?
Answer: Yes, I have. / No, I haven’t.
Present perfect questions can also be formed using ‘WH’ words, like:
WHat have you done?
WHen has she been here?
WHere has he gone?
WHich one have you chosen?
WHo has given you the flowers?
Present perfect and frequently used adverbs:
EVER:
Have you ever been to Canada?
Used for questions to ask about something you experienced in your lifetime.
NEVER:
I’ve never seen that movie.
Used in negative statements to talk about something you have not experienced in your lifetime.
YET:
Have you tried sushi yet?
I haven’t tried sushi yet.
Used in negative statements and questions about things that are not finished but you believe you will experience or do in your lifetime.
ALREADY:
Have you bought a plane ticket already?
I’ve (already) bought a plane ticket (already).
Used in questions and positive statements meaning something is finished and there is no need to do it again.
Try it out!
Use the pictures shown to you to make real statements about the things you have experienced in your lifetime. Remember to use the correct form, past participles and adverbs:
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Thank you. I am an English teacher and this has been very helpful
Thanks, Cecile!
I haven’t been to Rome before.