PRESENT PERFECT

HAVE PAST PARTICIPLEHAS

USEAlways connected to the present

• Actions and situations that started in the past and continue up to now

with since and for to say how long actions have been going on

How long have you lived in London? – We’ve lived in London for seven years / since 2005.

with time expressions which refer to a period of time up to the present: all this year, all my life, during the 20th century, ...

Alex has worked with children all his life.

• Finished actions in a period of time up to the present (indefinite past time)

I can’t walk – I’ve hurt my leg. I’ve lost my job (result in the present)

o We can use just to say that something has happened recently

He has just gone out.

o at any time up to now (indefinite time expressions)

Ever Have you ever ridden a moped?neverHe’s never studied any foreign languagebeforeYou’ve been here before, haven’t you?alreadyI’ve already read his new book – it’s great!

yet He hasn’t come yet.still (present perfect – negative sentences) I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.lately, recentlyHe’s had a lot of bad luck lately. always, often, several times

PRESENT PERFECT / SIMPLE PASTPAST SIMPLE• finished actions at a

finished time

I travelled to London last year.

I lived there when I was a child.

(in the afternoon)I had coffee this morning.

PRESENT PERFECT• Finished or continuing

actions at indefinite unfinished time (any time up to now)

I’ve travelled to London many times.

I’ve always lived here.

(at 11.00)I’ve had three coffees this

morning.