1.
Structure
👉 Affirmative:
Subject + have/has + past participle (V3)
I have eaten.
She has gone.
👉 Negative:
Subject + have/has + not + past participle (V3)
I haven’t finished my homework.
He hasn’t called me yet.
👉 Question:
Have/Has + subject + past participle (V3)?
Have you seen this movie?
Has she arrived yet?
2. When Do We Use Present Perfect?
Think of it as the "bridge tense" – it connects the past with the present.
(A) Experiences in Life (without saying when)
I have visited Paris. (at some time in my life, not important when)
She has never eaten sushi.
⚠️If you say when, you must use Past Simple:
❌ I have visited Paris in 2019.
✅ I visited Paris in 2019.
(B) Recent Actions (with present results)
I have just finished my homework. (the result is: it’s finished now)
She has broken her leg. (the result is: her leg is still broken)
(C) Unfinished Time Periods
I have read three books this week. (the week is not finished yet)
He has worked here since 2015. (he started in 2015 and still works here)
(D) Repetition up to Now
I have seen that movie three times.
They have called me many times today.
3. Signal Words
These often appear with the present perfect:
Ever / Never – Have you ever been to London? I’ve never tried sushi.
Just – I’ve just finished lunch.
Already – She has already left.
Yet (in questions/negatives) – Have you finished yet? I haven’t done it yet.
Since / For – I’ve lived here since 2010. I’ve lived here for 15 years.
So far / Until now / Up to now – We haven’t had any problems so far.
This week/month/year (if it’s still continuing) – I’ve been busy this week.
4. Difference with Past Simple
Present Perfect = focuses on the result now / experience in life.
Past Simple = focuses on the finished time in the past.
Example:
I have read that book. (experience, no time mentioned)
I read that book last year. (finished action, past time mentioned)
5. Common Mistakes
❌ I have finished my homework yesterday.
✅ I finished my homework yesterday. (because "yesterday" = finished past time)
❌ Did you ever eat sushi?
✅ Have you ever eaten sushi?
👉 Quick test for you:
Which is correct?
1. I (have seen / saw) that movie last night.
2. She (has just left / just left) the office.