How to understand the Present Perfect, perfectly….

TRUE FALSE

• Aspect emphasizes completion, duration, repetition…

FALSE

or

• Tense = location in time

• There are only 2 tenses in English — present and past. • Aspect describes the nature

of an action.

The Perfect is a verb tense.

• The Perfect is an aspect.

How is the Present Perfect formed?

• the present of have = ‘have’ or ‘has’

• past participle of the main verb

+

He has eaten his dinner.

(He doesn’t need to eat any more.)

Example:

When do we use the Present Perfect? • to show that an activity was completed recently

e.g. I have finished my homework. (My homework is done now.)

• to show that something started in the past but has continued to the present

e.g. They have worked together for six months. (They are still working together now.)

When do we use the Present Perfect? • to indicate a repeated action in the past

e.g. We have seen that movie three times already. (We have seen that movie three times up until now.)

• to discuss a past event or action which has no specific time attached

e.g. They have been to Mexico. (They went to Mexico some time before now.)

When do we use the Present Perfect?

• to highlight an accomplishment or a qualification

Examples:

I have worked in the field of informational technology for over twenty years. (I have a lot of experience in this field.)

He has climbed to the peak of Mount Everest.

• to highlight a unique or unusual experience

Examples:

Have you ever seen a ghost?

She has met Lady Gaga in the flesh!

What is the difference between the Present Perfect and the Simple Past?

Simple Past describes:

• an action that is clearly finished = began and finished in the past

• has no direct connection to the present

Example: They arrived in Paris last week.

What is the difference between the Present Perfect and the Simple Past?

• an event or action that began in the past but still has some connection to the present

They have been in Paris since last week. (They are still there now.)

They have been to Paris many times. (Up until now, they have visited Paris on many occasions.)

They have just changed hotels. (Now, they are in a different hotel.)

Have you ever been to Paris? (Did you go to Paris some time before now?)

Examples:

Present Perfect describes:

What is the difference between the Present Perfect and the Simple Present?

Simple Present describes:

• an action which is happening now (non-progressive verb) • a present situation • a habit or routine • a fact

Examples:

He lives in Tofino. (at this time in his life)

COMPARE: He has lived in Tofino for five years.

She feels tired. (now)

COMPARE: She has been tired all day.

Eric walks to school every day. (his habit)

COMPARE: He has walked to school every day since his car broke down.

What is the difference between ‘since’ and ‘for’?

• ‘For’ emphasizes the length of time or the duration of an activity.

Example: She has known her best friend for ten years.

• ‘Since’ emphasizes a point in time when an action or activity first began.

Example: She has known her best friend since ten years ago . (since 2005)

When do we use ‘already’, ‘yet’, ‘just’ and ‘still’?

just = happened a short time ago; recently

e.g. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.

already = happened previously; happened before it was expected to happen

Examples: A: She has already finished her assignment. B: Wow!

I have already seen that movie. (Can we choose a different one?)

When do we use ‘already’, ‘yet’, ‘just’ and ‘still’?

yet →used in the negative or with questions

Examples:

The parcel has not arrived yet. (I am still waiting for it.)

Has the parcel arrived yet?

still→ used with the negative

Example:

He still has not done the dishes.

When do we use the Present Perfect Progressive?

• to emphasize that an action that began in the past has been ongoing or continuous

Example: a) Susan and Tom have been dating since they were teenagers. COMPARE: b) Susan and Tom have dated since they were teenagers.

Which sentence seems more natural?

Which sentence gives the impression that their relationship is likely to continue?

To which sentence could you more naturally add: “However, they have decided to go their separate ways; they are both ready for a change”?

a

a

b

When do we use the Present Perfect Progressive?

• for verbs like ‘live’, ‘work’, and ‘study — no difference between the Present Perfect and the Present Perfect Progressive

• these verbs have continuity in their meanings

Example: Phil has been working at IBM for twenty years.

= Phil has worked at IBM for twenty years.

When do we use the Present Perfect Progressive?

• to express dissatisfaction or to complain about something

COMPARE: a) You have been coming to work late every day this month. b) You have come to work late every day this month.

Which sentence is stronger?

COMPARE: c) You came to work late every day this month.

Which sentence shows possible improvement?

a

c

Examples:

It has been raining all day! (I wish it would stop!)

When do we use the Present Perfect Progressive? • to show that a recent continuous action has results

that can be noticed in the present

Examples:

a) She has been crying (recently). (She still has tears in her eyes but is not crying now.)

b) He has been walking in the rain (recently). (Now, he is wet, though he is no longer outside.)

c) They have been painting (recently). (They have paint on their clothes and faces.)

When do we use the Present Perfect Progressive?

• some verbs can’t be used in the progressive form (stative verbs = non-action verbs) • therefore, present perfect progressive can’t be used

Examples:

a) How long have you owned your house?

(NOT: How long have you been owning your house?)

b) He has been tired lately.

(NOT: He has been being tired lately.)

c) They have known each other for 15 years.

(NOT: They have been knowing each other for 15 years.)

What are some typical stative verbs?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTIPATION!

I hope you understand the present perfect a little better than before. Do you have any questions?