Total Dev

Present perfect: Form and use

Present Perfect: Form and Use

We form the present perfect tense with the verb have/has + the past participle of the main verb.

Regular verbs: add -ed → play → played, work → worked
Irregular verbs: use 3rd column form → go → gone, see → seen, write → written

We use the present perfect to talk about:

Recent events or news (no specific time mentioned):
- I’ve passed the test!
- She’s broken her arm.
- The president has travelled to Cuba.
Life experiences (ever, never, before):
- I’ve run the Boston Marathon twice.
- She’s never been on a cruise.
- Have you ever read this book?
Unfinished actions or situations (started in past, still true now — use for, since, how long):
- I’ve lived in Oslo since I was born.
- They’ve been married for 25 years.
- How long have you known her?

Just → very recent action (used in + sentences, after have/has):
I’ve just seen Peter in the street.
He’s just got married.
Yet → not done up to now (used in – and ? sentences, at end):
Have you finished yet?
I haven’t called him yet.
Already → happened earlier than expected (used in + sentences, after have/has):
I’ve already finished.
They’ve already arrived.

For → duration (how long?)
We’ve been here for a few hours.
They’ve been married for 10 years.
Since → starting point (when did it begin?)
We’ve been here since 4 o’clock.
They’ve been married since 2010.
⚠️ Common Mistake:
❌ They’ve been married since 10 years ago.
✅ They’ve been married for 10 years.

Ever → in questions about life experiences (before main verb):
Have you ever been to Japan?
Has she ever tried sushi?
Never → in negative statements (after have/has):
I’ve never seen that movie.
She’s never missed a class.
Before → at end of sentence:
I think I’ve met you before.
Have you eaten here before?

❌ We are friends since first grade.

✅ We have been friends since first grade.

❌ They’ve been married since 10 years ago.

✅ They’ve been married for 10 years.

❌ I didn’t eat yet.

✅ I haven’t eaten yet.