1) Use
❖ We use the present perfect:
- To talk about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.
Example:
She has worked with me for ten years.
- To talk about events that happened at an unspecified time in the past.
Example:
I have gone to Spain.
- To talk about past experiences in our lives.
Example:
John has worked in several companies.
- To talk about a past action that has a result in the present.
Example:
I have broken my arm.
2) How to form the present perfect
We form the present perfect with have / has + the past participle of the verb.
Have / Has + Past participle of the verb
Examples:
Steve has seen this film.
You have studied French for ten years.
| Past participles of some verbs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | Past participle of the verb | |
| To work | Worked | |
| To watch | Watched | |
| To see | Seen | |
| To be | Been | |
3) How to form a negative sentence in the present perfect
We add 'not' after have / has to form a negative sentence in the present perfect.
Have / Has + not + Past participle of the verb
Examples:
(+) Steve has seen this film.
(-) Steve has not seen this film.
(+) You have studied French for ten years.
(-) You have not studied French for ten years.
4) How to form a question in the present perfect
We move have / has to the beginning of the sentence to form a question in the present perfect.
Have / Has + Subject + Past participle of the verb
Examples:
(+) Steve has seen this film.
(?) Has Steve seen this film?
Yes, he has / No, he has not.
(+) You have studied French for ten years.
(?) Have you studied French for ten years?
Yes, I have / No, I have not.