The present perfect tense is a grammatical verb form to describe actions or events that began in the past and have relevance or a connection to the present moment.
2. Present perfect chart
Present perfect summary table
The present perfect chart above serves as a helpful guide to understanding the usage and structure of the present perfect tense in English. It explains how this tense connects past actions with the present, focusing on experiences or events that have occurred at an unspecified time before now. The chart highlights the construction of affirmative, negative, and question forms, with examples to clarify each form.
3. How to form the present perfect tense?
Present perfect chart
Form
Example
Affirmative
Subject + have/has + Past participle
She has left.
Negative
Subject + have/has not + Past participle
She hasn't left.
Interrogative
Have/Has + Subject + Past participle?
Has she left?
Negative Interrogative
Hasn't/Has not + Subject + Past participle?
Hasn't she left?
The present perfect is formed by using the auxiliary verb have (in the present tense) followed by the past participle of the main verb. For example:
I have seen.
She has finished.
They have travelled.
The use of have (or has for the third-person singular) indicates the present aspect, while the past participle of the verb expresses the completed action or state. The present perfect tense is used to describe past actions or experiences that have a connection to the present. It emphasises the result, impact, or relevance of the past event on the current situation. It is often accompanied by time expressions such as already, just, recently, or since, which provide further context.
4. When should you use the present perfect tense?
4.1 Actions or events that started in the past and continue to the present
The present perfect tense is used to talk about actions or events that started in the past and connect to the present. It is formed with the present tense of the verb have and the past participle of the main verb.
I have lived here since 2012.
We have known Robert for about two years.
We have been married for ten years.
I haven’t seen him since yesterday.
We have worked together for ten years.
I have dreamed about becoming a police officer ever since I was a kid.
He hasn’t written a new book for the past ten years.
Tommy and Luise broke up last year. They haven’t spoken with each other since then.
We haven’t had a sunny day for two weeks.
4.2 Actions or events that happened at an unspecified time in the past
The present perfect tense can also be used to talk about actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past.
The government has implemented strict measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Have you seen your brother?
I have seen this movie before.
I have lost my wallet.
The police have arrested the suspect.
4.3 Commonly used time adverbials
The following time adverbials usually link past actions or experiences to the present moment:
ever
never
just
already
yet
since
for
lately
recently
so far
up to now
until now
ever since
to date
I have already had breakfast.
She hasn’t finished her homework yet.
I've always wanted to visit England, but I have never had the chance to do so.
She has just arrived.
Have you ever played chess before?
I have never played chess before.
Have you called your parents yet?
Yesterday was the worst day I have ever had.
Have you made any progress so far?
She has lived here since 2015.
The book provides critical thinking on how societies have evolved up to now around the world.
I haven’t realised the importance of positive thinking until now.
4.4 Describing past experience
To talk about past experiences or achievements without mentioning exactly when they happened, we commonly use the following adverbs of experience or frequency:
ever
never
yet
already
once
twice
several times
many times
before
recently
lately
Have you met each other before?
She’s phoned me many times today.
We’ve eaten there several times.
He’s visited Spain twice.
I’ve visited five continents.
I’ve only seen her once.
They’ve already arrived at the hotel.
I haven’t spoken to her yet.
Have you finished your homework yet?
I’ve never tasted sushi.
Have you ever been to London?
She’s watched that film three times this week.
5. Common mistakes
5.1 Using specific past time indicators
The present perfect cannot be used with specific time expressions that refer to the past, such as "yesterday," "last week," or "in 2010." Use the past simple tense instead.
Incorrect: I have seen him yesterday.
Correct: I saw him yesterday.
Incorrect: I have visited Paris last year.
Correct: I visited Paris last year.
Use past simple
Use present perfect
Use of both tenses are possible
yesterday
I watched a film yesterday.
since yesterday
I have felt tired since yesterday.
today
I spoke to her today. (The action feels finished)
I have spoken to her today. (The day isn’t over yet)
last night
She had pizza last night.
since last night
He has had a headache since last night.
this morning
I saw her this morning. (Now it's the afternoon)
I have seen her this morning. (It's still morning)
last week
We went to the zoo last week.
since last week
I have studied every day since last week.
this week
I called her twice this week. (The week feels finished)
I have called her twice this week. (The week is not over)
last weekend
They stayed at home last weekend.
since last weekend
She has felt unwell since last weekend.
this weekend
We went shopping this weekend. (The weekend is over or feels over)
We have done something crazy this weekend. (The weekend is not yet finished)
last month
I travelled to Italy last month.
since last month
He has worked here since last month.
this month
I read two books this month. (The month feels over)
I have read two books this month. (The month is not over yet)
last year
She graduated last year.
since last year
I have lived in London since last year.
this year
He travelled a lot this year. (The year feels complete)
He has travelled a lot this year. (The year is still in progress)
two days ago
I met her two days ago.
for two days
He has been sick for two days.
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in 2020
We moved here in 2020.
since 2020
I have worked here since 2020.
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between 2001 and 2002
She lived in Brazil between 2001 and 2002.
since 2001
I have known him since 2001.
---
when I was young
I played football when I was young.
since I was young
I have loved animals since I was young.
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5.2 Omitting the auxiliary verb have
The present perfect requires the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" before the past participle.
