A set of simplified general rules and examples to help students understand how to use the present perfect tense in English.

1. Present Perfect Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

2. Uses of Present Perfect The use of the Present Perfect tense in English may be a bit complex for foreign students of English, because it is not always used as its equivalent forms in other languages like French, Spanish or Italian. In the following slides you will find a few simplified, general grammar rules. Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

3. 4 main uses of Present Perfect Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

5. 2. News / time not mentioned Present Perfect is the most normal tense for giving news of recent events or when we talk about a past event and we do not mention exactly when it happened. We change to past simple when we give the details. e.g. Anna has bought a new laptop. There has been an plane crash near London. by Ed Yourdon Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

6. 3. Repetition and continuation We often use Present Perfect to say that something has happened several times up to the present, or to talk about how long present situations have lasted in a time period that the speaker considers unfinished. Present tenses are not used in this way. e.g. I have read three books this month vs. I read three books last month. We’ve been friends since 1985. (NOT We are friends since 1985). by freeparking Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

7. 4. This is the first time… We use Present Perfect in sentences constructed with ‘This / It / That is the first / second / third / only / best / worst...’ e.g. This is the first time Ihave skied. That is the third time you have asked me the same question. by Bobcatnorth Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

8. Time expressions Time expressions used with Present Perfect include: for / since / how long already / yet / just lately / recently always / ever / never Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

9. Time expressions e.g. I’ve known him for five years. She’s been ill since Monday. How long have you lived in Liverpool? I’ve already finished my homework. Have you told her yet? I’ve just received a phone call. Have you read any good books lately? She has recently published a book. She has always loved you. They have never worked abroad. Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

10. Present Perfect or Past Simple? Compare: He has baked three cakes this morning vs. (it is still morning  period of time not finished) He baked three cakes this morning. (now it is evening  period of time finished) Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

11. Present Perfect or Past Simple? Compare: I have lived in London for two years vs. (I still live there  period of time not finished) I lived in London for two years. (I no longer live there  period of time finished) Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz

12. Been or gone? Compare: He has gone to London vs. (He’s still there. He hasn’t come back yet) He has been to London. (He’s visited London, but he is not there now. He’s come back) Intermedio I Isabel de la Cruz