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2.1: Present Perfect Tense

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Present Perfect Tense Form and Usage

Form Explanation Examples
Affirmative Subject + have/has + past participle - I have finished the report.
- She has visited Paris.

Questions

(Wh-word) Have/Has + Subject + past participle

-Have you done your homework?

-Where has he gone?


Usage Explanation Examples
Unspecified Time Describes actions or experiences without mentioning when they happened. - I have seen that movie before.
- She has traveled to Japan.
Life Experiences Refers to actions or events someone has experienced in their life up to now. - He has climbed Mount Everest.
- They have never been to Australia.
Actions Continuing to Present Describes actions that started in the past and continue into the present. - She has lived here for five years.
- We have worked on this project since January.
Recently Completed Actions Describes actions completed very recently, often with words like "just," "already," or "yet." - I have just finished my homework.
- Have you eaten yet?
Results in the Present Focuses on actions that have a present consequence or relevance. - He has broken his leg. (It’s still broken.)
- The package has arrived.

Videos and Other Resources

Watch this video to learn more about forming and using present perfect...

Watch this video to learn more about the difference between present perfect and simple past...

Try this website to practice forming and using present perfect...

Practice Present Perfect Tense

We often use present perfect tense to discuss past experiences. The following questions will give you practice in using the present perfect to discuss your experiences with travel. (Note: If you add details to your answers, you will need to use simple past.)

Part 1: For each question below, answer with a complete sentence. Use present perfect tense.

  • What cities or states have you visited in the United States?
  • What countries have you visited outside of your own country?
  • What is the best place you have ever traveled to? 
  • Have you ever traveled by train or bus?

Part 2: Interview a partner and write their answers to the above questions.


2.1: Present Perfect Tense is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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