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The Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense refers to an action or state that either occurred at an indefinite time in the past or began in the past and continued to the present time.

Structure: Subject + has/have + Past participle

Here's how to make the positive:

To make the negative, just add 'not':

To make a question, put 'have' or 'has' in front of the subject:

Here are the present perfect 'yes / no' questions:

To make 'wh' questions just put the question word at the front:

Usage:

  1. To talk about unfinished actions or states or habits that started in the past and continue to the present. ('Since'- 2004, April 23rd, last year/'For'-2 hours, three years, six months)
    • I've worked here for six months.
    • I've known Sam since 2010.
  2. To express an action that has recently been completed.
    • He has just cooked the meal.
  3. Life experience.
    • I have been to Tokyo.
    • They have visited Paris three times.
    • We have never seen that film.
  4. Time period that has not finished.
    • She has drunk two cups of tea today.
  5. A finished action with a result in the present (focus on result).
    • I've lost my keys (so I can't get into my house).
    • She's hurt her leg (so she can't play tennis today).
    • They've missed the bus (so they will be late).