Present Perfect

The present perfect is formed with a present tense of “to have” plus the past participle of the verb which can be either regular or irregular in form.

We use the present perfect for the following cases.

• When we don’t know the specific time when something happened

I have been in London before. (At unspecific time in the past, but we don’t know exactly when)

I have seen that movie.

She has read that book many times.

• For an action that occurred in the past, but has a result in the present (now)

I can’t find my key. Have you seen it? (The key was lost in the past and now you don’t know where it is)

Be careful! She has dropped a glass on the floor.

Jake has missed the bus, so he’ll be late.

• When we talk about experiences (ever, never)

I have never been in Paris. (in my life)

Have you ever traveled to Chile?

He has never eaten sushi before.

• For events that recently occurred. (just)

I have just seen a ghost. (I recently saw a ghost)

Do you want to eat something? No, thanks. I have just eaten an apple.

They have just finished their homework.

• For events that have occurred up to now. (yet)

I haven’t/have not finished my homework yet.

Is Karen here? No, she hasn’t/has not arrived yet. (She is still not here now)

We haven’t/have not read the book yet.

• For events that occurred before you expected. (already)

I have already written my essay. (I expected to end my essay at another day)

You have already gone to London.

He has already finished his relationship.

• For events that began in the past and haven’t changed. (for, since)

Abigail has worked at Bamilton since December. (Abigail began working at Bamilton in December of last year and that hasn’t changed)

John has worked at Plus for two years. (John starting working at Plus two years ago and he still works there now)

Christian and Julie have been friends since school.

Sentence Structure:

• Affirmative

Subject + have/has +past participle

I have watched that movie before.

She has gone to Spain.

• Negative

Subject +haven’t-have not/ hasn’t-has not + past participle

They haven’t been in Roma before.

He hasn’t read the book.

• Question

Have/has +subject + past participle ?

Have you seen a ghost?

Has she eaten lunch?