Present Perfect

Introduction

Present Perfect is one of the common tenses of the English language. Students cannot advance their English without knowing the rules of this tense. As we go on you will find out what Present Perfect is and how to use it:)

Task

Read the rules and examples: 

 

We use the present perfect:

  • for something that started in the past and continues in the present:

  • They've been married for nearly fifty years.

  • She has lived in Liverpool all her life.

  • when we are talking about our experience up to the present:

I've seen that film before.

I've played the guitar ever since I was a teenager.

He has written three books and he is working on another one.

  • We often use the adverb ever to talk about experience up to the present:

My last birthday was the worst day I have ever had.

  • and we use never for the negative form:

Have you ever met George?

Yes, but I've never met his wife.

  •   for something that happened in the past but is important in the present:

I can't get in the house. I've lost my keys.

Teresa isn't at home. I think she has gone shopping.

 

We use have/has been when someone has gone to a place and returned:

A: Where have you been?

B: I've just been out to the supermarket.

A: Have you ever been to San Francisco?

B: No, but I've been to Los Angeles.

But when someone has not returned, we use have/has gone:

A: Where's Maria? I haven't seen her for weeks.

B: She's gone to Paris for a week. She'll be back tomorrow. 

 

 

 

Process

Do the exercise to check how well you have understood the theme:

 

1. Sophie and I (know)  each other since we were at school together.

2. I (play)   tennis since I was eight years old.

3. Alain (be) in hospital three times this year.

4. I (want)  to be an actor for as long as I can remember.

5. My uncle (smoke)  40 cigarettes a day for 40 years – and he's a doctor!

6. You (have) that suit for more than ten years! Isn't it time to get a new one?

7. Since he finished university, my brother (work)   in five different countries.

8. Zerrin (watch)  that TV programme every week since it started.

9. I (never like) bananas. I think they're horrible!

10. What's the most interesting city you (ever visit)  ?

 

 Present Perfect

There are 5 questions in this quiz. Choose the correct answer.

1.   Which sentence is correct?

 I’ve saw that film before.   

 I’ve see that film before.   

 I’ve seen that film before.   

2.   Which word completes this sentence?

Tom ____ worked here for long.

 not   

 haven’t   

 ‘s not   

3.   Which question is correct?

 Who they’ve written to?   

 What you have done with my dictionary?   

 Where has James put my bag?  

 

4.   Which sentence does NOT use the present perfect in the correct way?

 William has gone to the doctor last week.   

 Maria has worked here for many years.   

 My children have been to France twice.   

 

5.   How can you complete this question correctly?

Have you seen Karen ____?

 last week   

 today   

 yesterday   

 

Evaluation

Now let's check whether your answers are correct:

1. Sophie and I have known each other since we were at school together.

2. I have played  tennis since I was eight years old.

3. Alain has been in hospital three times this year.

4. I have wanted  to be an actor for as long as I can remember.

5. My uncle has smoked 40 cigarettes a day for 40 years – and he's a doctor!

6. You have had that suit for more than ten years! Isn't it time to get a new one?

7. Since he finished university, my brother has worked in five different countries.

8. Zerrin has been watching that TV programme every week since it started.

9. I have never liked bananas. I think they're horrible!

10. What's the most interesting city you have ever visited  ?

 

1.I’ve seen that film before.

2.Tom  has not worked here for long.

3.Where has James put my bag?  

4.William has gone to the doctor last week.   

5.Have you seen Karin today?

Conclusion

Present Perfect is very important tense in the English language, without knowing which you are likely to stuck in level of elementary. 

Credits

Teacher Page

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I will gladly answer to all your questions.