This lesson is just a brief summary. We will study the present perfect in detail in the following lessons.
The present perfect can be difficult for English learners. This is because of 2 reasons:
- There are different ways to use the present perfect.
- We use a different verb form.
Base Form | Past Simple | Past Participle |
see | saw | seen |
be | was/were | been |
meet | met | met |
play | played | played |
cook | cooked | cooked |
give | gave | given |
buy | bought | bought |
As you can see, sometimes the past simple and past participle are the same. Sometimes, they are different. You just have to memorize them.
Let's take a look at the most common ways we use the present perfect.
1. We use the present perfect the talk about experiences. These are finished actions.
Note: We usually use the verb "be" instead of "go" in the present perfect tense. We can see this in the first example below.
- I have been to China.
- I have eaten raw fish.
- She has never been bungee jumping.
- He has gone snowboarding.
- I have been to Japan. (Good!)
- I have been to Japan
in 2007.
(You cannot use a specific time like 2007 with the present perfect.)
- I have been to England two times.
- She has eaten horse meat many times.
- They have traveled in Europe a few times.
- I have been here 3 times in the last 9 months.
- She has been sick many times in the last month.
- Have you ever seen this movie?
- Have you stayed at this hotel before?
- Has she been here many times?
- What countries have you been to?
- Where have you visited during your trip?
- I have known Carol for 10 years.
- She has worked here since 2004.
- He has played the piano since he was young.
- They have been married for 20 years.
We use "how long + present perfect" to ask about these situations.
- How long have you lived here?
- How long have you known her?
- How long has he been married?
- How long have you studied English?
3. We can use to it talk about our desires or wishes.
- I have always wanted to visit Istanbul.
- She has always wanted to be a doctor.
- He has never wanted to be rich.
- This is the best hotel that I have ever stayed at.
- What is the scariest movie that you have ever seen?
- Where is the most beautiful place that you have ever been?
- This is the third time that I have been here.
(=I have been here 3 times.) - This is the first time that I have seen it.
- I have eaten.
- Have you eaten lunch?
- I have decided to quit my job.
- The company has just announced their sales for last quarter.