The present perfect tense is formed using the present form of the verb “to have” (has/have – depending on the subject of the sentence) followed by the past participle of the main verb.
subject + has/have + past participle
- The present perfect tense is used to describe something that started in the past and continues in the present. The words “for” and “since” are often used in these sentences.
Example:
- I have worked here for 5 years.
- My mom has known him for 3 years.
- They have lived together for nearly 30 years.
- I have lived here since 2000.
- He has worked here since last year.
- We have known each other since our childhood.
Note:
- “For” indicates a period of time.
Examples:
For five months.
For a long time.
- “Since” indicates a point of time.
Examples:
Since last month.
Since 2000.
- We use present perfect to talk about an experience from the past.
Example:
- I have watched this movie.
- She has been to London.
- We use present perfect tense to express things that have done in the life.
Example:
- I have helped many people.
- We have studied Japanese.
- We use present perfect tense when the time of the action is not important or not known.
Example:
- She has taken my pencil.
- They have written several exams.
- We use present perfect on an action in the past with a result in the present.
Example:
- I have lost my phone (Still I can’t find my phone).
- I have forgotten my umbrella. (Now, I don’t have my umbrella.)
AFFIRMATIVE FORM
Example:
- I have eaten apples.
- I have seen him before.
- I have watched this teledrama before.
- She has acted in a film.
- He has won a competition.
- Alex has followed an English course.
- My mother has already baked the cake.
- We have received the email.
- They have learnt Spanish.
- The army has attacked the terrorist two times.
NEGATIVE FORM
Negation of the present perfect tense is formed using the present form of the verb “to have” (has/have – depending on the subject of the sentence) coupled with the negative construct “not”, followed by the past participle of the main verb of the sentence.
subject + has/have + not + past participle
Example:
- I have not eaten apples.
- She has not eaten apples.
- They have not submitted the assignments yet.
- He has not done his homework.
INTERROGATIVE FORM
To turn the present perfect tense in to an interrogative, take the auxiliaries ‘has/have’ to the beginning of the sentence leaving the rest of the sentence as it is.
Example:
- Have I met you before?
- Has Thomas written the exam?
Example:
Question: Haven’t they talked to the manager?
Answers: No they have not talked/ No, they haven’t talked / No, they haven’t
Question: Hasn’t she talk to the manager?
Answers: No she has not talked/ No, she hasn’t talked / No, she hasn’t
