Present Perfect simple

Basic

Present Perfect simple

•We use the present perfect to talk aboutexperiences, for example:

Have you ever been to Rome?No, I have never been to Rome

Yes, I’ve been to Rome twice

Note that we say been not gone. If we said He’sgone to the USA, that would mean that he hasn’t

come back yet

•We also use the present perfect to talk aboutthings we have done in an unfinished periodof time, for example:This year I’ve been to the doctor twiceThis week I have visited my grandma onlyonceNote that we often use this ( this week, this year, this month) to refer to the unfinished period of time

•We also use the present perfect for recentactions or even when there is still evidenceof something that may have happened in the past.He has just arrivedOh, you’ve broken your leg. Yes, I broke itlast week

•We use the Present Perfect with for and sinceto express that an action has taken place during an unfinished period of time.How long have you worked in this company?I have worked here for seven yearsHow long have you lived in Madrid?I’ve lived in Madrid since 1992Note that contrary to Spanish, here the actionstill takes place.

•We use the Present perfect with yet and already. We use yet in questions and negativesand already in affirmatives.Has he arrived yet?No, he hasn’t arrived yetYes, he has already arrivedNote the position of yet and already