Present Perfect

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
Definition of Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is a verb tense used to express actions that occurred at a non-specific time. The
present perfect tense is also used to express actions that started in the past but continue to the present.
We use the present perfect for actions which started in the past and are still happening now or for finished
actions which have a connection to the present.
What is the Present Perfect Tense?
The present perfect tense expresses actions that happened at a time that is not specific.
The Present Perfect is Used to Express,
 Actions of duration that occurred in the past (before now) of unspecified time.
 Actions that started in the past but continue to the present.
 Actions that started in the past but stopped recently.
To form the present perfect:
Subject + has/have + past participle (the 3rd verb form) +object
Look at the following example.
Ex. They have known each other since they were children.
PAST PRESENT
This started in the past and continue to the present
The structure of the Present Perfect Tense
Affirmative Sentence
Subject + have/has + past participle
Ex: I have seen him before.
Negative Sentence
Subject + have not/has not + past participle
Ex: I have not seen him before.
Interrogative Sentence
Have/Has + subject + past participle?

Ex: Have you seen him before?
Affirmative Negative Interrogative

 I have swum  I have not swum  have I swum?
 You have swum  You have not swum  have you swum?
 He has swum  He has not swum  has he swum?
 She has swum  She has not swum  has she swum?
 It has swum  It has not swum  has it swum?
 We have swum  We have not swum  have we swum?
 They have swum  They have not swum  have they swum?
Now look at the pictures below and read the sentences.
1. Snoopy is drawing picture on the board.
2. Snoopy has drawn picture on the board.
has drawn is a Present Perfect Tense. In the second picture, Snoopy has finished drawing and is sitting
near the board. The sentence numbered 2 means, Snoopy drew picture. As a result of Snoopy’s past action,
his picture is now on the board. The present perfect Tense has drawn joins the past to the present.
When the time between the past action and now is very short, we often put just in the sentence and say:
Snoopy has just drawn picture on the board. Notice that we put just between has and drawn.
1. Snoopy is drinking a glass of milk.

2. Snoopy has drunk a glass of milk
or Snoopy has just drunk a glass of milk.
has drunk is a Present Perfect Tense. In the second picture, Snoopy has finished drinking and is holding
the empty glass in his hand. Snoopy drank a glass of milk, and the glass is now empty.
Uses of the Present Perfect Tense
For actions of duration that occurred in the past (before now) but are of unspecified time.
Past Present Future
Ex: I have visited Paris three times.
These examples indicate that the action is completed. Furthermore, all of these actions occurred before the
present. Each of these statements also expresses that the actions occurred over a period of time rather than
a single moment in time.
For actions that started in the past but continue to the present.
Past Present Future
Ex. We have owned this house since 1985.
These examples indicate that the action began at a time before now. Additionally, these actions continue
on into the present and will likely extend to the future.
For actions that started in the past but stopped recently.
Past Present Future
Ex: I have lost my keys, so I can’t get into my house.

These examples indicate that the action began before now. These actions are all completed actions.
What is important to note is that the completion of these actions actually puts a focus on the present or on
the result of the action. The “I have lost” example, especially, puts emphasis on the “now.”
 To express things you have done in your life.
Ex: He has never studied Japanese.
JAPANESE
 To express number of times you have done something.
Ex: I have visited Paris three times.
 To describe recently completed actions which are important now.
Ex: I have some bad news. I have lost my job.
 To express present result
Ex: I have lost my keys, so I can’t get into my house.
Adverbs of time used with the Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is commonly used with the indefinite time adverbs (time expressions)
 Just
Refer to events that recently occurred.
Ex: Are you hungry? No, I have just had dinner.
 Already
An action that has happened at an unspecified time before now. It suggests that there is no need for
repetition. It can be placed before the main verb (past participle) or at the end of the sentence.
Ex: What time does the film start? It has already started.
What time does the film start? It has started already.
 Yet
Refer to events that have occurred up to now.

Ex: He has not arrived yet.
 For
Talk about a period or duration of time. It doesn’t have to be an exact number, but it needs to refer to a
period of time.
Ex: He has lived in Paris for a long time.
 Since
Refer to a specific point in time.
Ex: I have lived here since 2010.
 Ever/Never
Express the idea of an unidentified time before now.
Always placed before the main verb (past participle).
Ex: Have you ever been to Europe?
He has never been abroad.
Cases where the present perfect tense cannot be used
We do not use the present perfect tense when we say when something happens. In such cases, we use
the simple past tense.
Right Wrong
I saw Rani yesterday. I have seen Rani yesterday.
She called me in the morning. She has called me in the morning.
She died three years ago. She has died three years ago.
I was born in 1979. I have been born in 1979.

Present Perfect

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PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Definition of Present Perfect Tense

What is the Present Perfect Tense?

The Present Perfect is Used to Express,

To form the present perfect:

Subject + has/have + past participle (the 3rd verb form) +object

Look at the following example.

The structure of the Present Perfect Tense

Subject + have/has + past participle

Ex: I have seen him before.

Subject + have not/has not + past participle

Ex: I have not seen him before.

Have/Has + subject + past participle?

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

Now look at the pictures below and read the sentences.

1. Snoopy is drawing picture on the board.

2. Snoopy has drawn picture on the board.

1. Snoopy is drinking a glass of milk.

or Snoopy has just drunk a glass of milk.

Uses of the Present Perfect Tense

Past Present Future

Ex: I have visited Paris three times.

Past Present Future

Ex. We have owned this house since 1985.

For actions that started in the past but stopped recently.

Past Present Future

Ex: I have lost my keys, so I can’t get into my house.

 To express things you have done in your life.

Ex: He has never studied Japanese.

 To express number of times you have done something.

Ex: I have visited Paris three times.

 To describe recently completed actions which are important now.

Ex: I have some bad news. I have lost my job.

 To express present result

Ex: I have lost my keys, so I can’t get into my house.

Adverbs of time used with the Present Perfect Tense

Refer to events that recently occurred.

Ex: Are you hungry? No, I have just had dinner.

What time does the film start? It has started already.

Refer to events that have occurred up to now.

Ex: He has lived in Paris for a long time.

Refer to a specific point in time.

Ex: I have lived here since 2010.

Express the idea of an unidentified time before now.

Always placed before the main verb (past participle).

Ex: Have you ever been to Europe?

He has never been abroad.

Cases where the present perfect tense cannot be used

I saw Rani yesterday. I have seen Rani yesterday.

She called me in the morning. She has called me in the morning.

I was born in 1979. I have been born in 1979.

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