PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE TENSE

We use the present perfect simple:

To talk about duration of events and actions that started in the past and are still going on,

with for (a period of time) or since (a point in time).

E.g.: I haven't seen Julia for a few years. (length of time) I have studied non-stop since 9:15. (specific time)

To talk about events which have recently occurred with the adverbs just, recently, and

lately (which is rarely used in affirmative statements).

E.g.: Maria has just finished her homework. (short time ago) They have recently come from the supermarket. (a moment ago) I haven’t gone to the cinema lately. (not long ago)

With phrases which are linked to the present, e.g.: yet, already, ever, never, so far, still

(with the negative).

E.g.: I haven't told her about the accident yet. (something expected has happened or hasn't happened) Has it stopped raining yet?

We've already had our breakfast. (something happened earlier than we expected) Have you ever met a famous person? (at any time) This snake soup is the strangest I've ever eaten. (the first time) Melissa has never played soccer. (subject hasn't had a certain experience before) I have done two pages of my homework so far. (until now)

I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. (continuing longer than expected. Still is stronger than yet and often expresses surprise that a situation has continued for so

long.)

To talk about actions which are repeated up to the present with phrases like: once,

twice, (three) times, etc.

E.g.: Brad has failed the English exam twice.

I have gone to the beach several times.

To talk about a recent past event which has present relevance.

E.g.: Your friend has arrived.

I have passed my driver's test, so I'd like to borrow your car.

Exercise 1: Do we use for or since with the following time references?

1. I haven't phoned home ___________Christmas.

2. We've been here ___________ nine o'clock.

3. I have worked for International House ___________ more than eight years.

4. I haven't visited my home town ___________ I left school.

5. I haven't been to the cinema ___________ ages.

6. I have studied non-stop ___________ 9:15.

7. I have had a driving license___________ I was eighteen.

8. She hasn't had a day off ___________ 1999.

9. Johan has been in England ___________ more than two weeks now.

10. Peter has been my best friend ___________ we were nine.

Made by: Alexandra Jiménez

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is a lake between the Scottish towns of Inverness and Fort

Augustus. The word loch is Scottish for lake. Loch Ness is about 37 km long

and extremely deep, the deepest part is 226 m.

Loch Ness is famous for its friendly monster, Nessie. Most people think that

this is only a legend, but every year tourists from all over the world come to

Loch Ness and hope that they will see the monster.

Exercise 4: Complete the sentences using the present perfect simple.

1. Tourists from all over the world (be) to Loch Ness.

2. Most of them (see / not) Nessie, however.

3. Only very few people say that the Loch Ness Monster (appear) in front of them.

4. Even scientists (come) to Loch Ness to find the monster.

5. And the boss of the Guinness brewery (promise) to pay 500,000 Pounds to the

person who catches Nessie.

Exercise 2: Select the word that best completes the sentence.

1. We have (just / lately) completed all of our work.

2. Have you been to the main office (just / lately)?

3. (Recently / Just) I have wanted to take a data management class.

4. Our branch manager hasn't come to see us (lately / just now).

5. We have (lately / recently) decided to invest in a new company.

6. They have (lately / just) gotten married.

7. We haven't seen Jason (recently / lately).

8. (Recently / Lately), has he arrived late to work?

9. I have done a lot of accounting work (recently / lately).

10. They have (just / lately) started new jobs.

Exercise 3: Try to use the words we have learnt so far.

1. Have you seen him anywhere? 'I’ve _________ seen him in the kitchen'. (just, already, never)

2. I have ___________ been to Japan... What about you? (yet, never, ever)

3. Has Ann just phoned? 'Yes, she has ___________ phoned'. (ever, yet, just)

4. Why don't you read that paper? 'I have ___________ read it'. (yet, already, just)

5. Has it stopped snowing? 'No, it hasn't stopped snowing ________'. (just, yet, already)

6. Have you ___________ travelled to space? 'Of course not' (never, already, ever)

7. Poor lady...She has ___________ had a boyfriend in her life! (ever, never, yet)

8. I haven't told my parents about my failure ___________ ... (ever, just, yet)

9. Would you like a sandwich? 'No, thanks. I have __________ had lunch.' (just, yet, ever)

10. Shall I pay the waiter? 'No, I have ___________ paid him.' (already, yet, ever)

Made by: Alexandra Jiménez