Present Perfect Simple

Present Perfect Simple

The present perfect simple refers to states or actions which began in the past and are still connected to the present. The present perfect simple puts emphasis on the result of the activity.

Examples

I have collected the stamps.

She's been training for a half-marathon.

She has made ten cakes already today!

This program has stopped working.

The present perfect simple tense is formed by have/has + the past participle

What’s past participle?

regular verb: add -ed to the verb ( visit/visited, want/wanted, stay/stayed,etc.)

irregular verb: practice ( put/put, read/read, send/sent, etc.)

Affirmative: verb “to read”

I/ you/ we/ they have (’ve) read the instructions.

He/she/it has (‘s) read the instructions.

Examples:

I’ve already walked on this road.

He’s made nice photos.

Negative: verb “to read”

I/ you/ we/ they have not (haven’t) read the instructions.       

He/she/it has not (hasn’t) read the instructions.                      

Examples:

We have not met him yet.

She hasn’t finished it.

Interrogative: verb “to read”

Have    I/ you/ we/ they       read the instructions?

Has     he/she/it                    read the instructions?

Ü  No contracted forms

Examples:

Have you ever visited Poland?

Have they come yet?

Has it completed downloading?

The use of present perfect simple

·         Focusing on the result

I’ve sent him three emails.

·         Describing a completed action

He has painted the room.

They have finished their work.

·         Showing ongoing states

How long have you believed in love?

Well, I have believed in that since my first love experience.

·         Showing “how many”

My brother has bought four brand new cars this year.

Words and phrases used with present perfect

These include:

Already, ever, just, lately, never, not yet, recently, so far, till now, up to now.

Examples:

Have you ever seen a monster?

I have already heard about that.

So far everything has been appreciated.

The film has just started.