/Tenses — Present Perfect
B1Tenses — Present Perfect

Present Perfect

1

What is it?

The present perfect is one of the tenses that causes the most confusion for English learners — especially those whose native language doesn't have a similar structure. It connects the past to the present. We use it for experiences, recent events, and situations that are still relevant now. The key question to ask yourself is: "Is this still connected to the present?" If yes, the present perfect is likely the right choice.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
II have workedI haven't workedHave I worked?
YouYou have workedYou haven't workedHave you worked?
He / She / ItShe has workedShe hasn't workedHas she worked?
WeWe have workedWe haven't workedHave we worked?
TheyThey have workedThey haven't workedHave they worked?
  • • Form: have/has + past participle.
  • • I, you, we, they → have. He, she, it → has.
  • • Negative: haven't / hasn't + past participle.
  • • Question: Have/Has + subject + past participle?
  • • Contracted forms are common: I've, you've, she's, he's, we've, they've, hasn't, haven't.
  • • The past participle of regular verbs = base verb + -ed. Irregular verbs must be memorised (go → gone, see → seen, write → written).
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Life experiences — things you have or haven't done in your life (no specific time given).

    "I've been to Japan." / "She's never tried sushi." / "Have you ever met anyone famous?"

  2. 2

    Recent past events — things that happened recently with a result that matters now.

    "I've just finished the report." / "They've arrived." / "She's broken her leg."

  3. 3

    A situation that started in the past and is still true now — with for and since.

    "He's worked here for ten years." / "We've known each other since university."

  4. 4

    Achievements and changes — especially things that have happened during an unfinished time period.

    "Sales have increased this year." / "The team has made great progress this week."

  5. 5

    With time expressions: ever, never, just, already, yet, recently, so far, this week/month/year.

    "Have you eaten yet?" / "I've already booked." / "She's recently moved."

4

Common mistakes

I have seen him yesterday.

I saw him yesterday.

'Yesterday' is a specific finished time — use the past simple, not present perfect.

She has gone to Paris last year.

She went to Paris last year.

'Last year' is a specific past time — use past simple.

Did you ever try Thai food?

Have you ever tried Thai food?

Questions about life experiences without a specific time use the present perfect.

5

Quick reference

  • Present perfect = have/has + past participle.
  • Use for experiences (no specific time), recent events, and ongoing situations.
  • NEVER use with specific past time words: yesterday, last week, in 2010, ago.
  • Common signal words: ever, never, just, already, yet, since, for, recently.
  • I/you/we/they → have. He/she/it → has.
  • The past participle of irregular verbs must be memorised.
6

Natural conversation example

Two colleagues chatting before a team meeting.

F

Farid

Have you seen the new project brief yet?
L

Lisa

I've just read it, actually. It's quite different from what I expected.
F

Farid

Has the client given any more detail?
L

Lisa

They've sent a few follow-up notes. I've forwarded them to you.
F

Farid

Great, thanks. Have you worked on this kind of project before?
L

Lisa

I've done something similar, yes. A while back, before I joined this team.
F

Farid

Good. I haven't dealt with this sector much. I'm learning as I go.
L

Lisa

You'll be fine. The team has handled trickier things than this.

Practice Exercises

Complete each sentence with the correct present perfect form of the verb in brackets.

  1. 1.
    She (never / be) to Australia, but she really wants to go.
  2. 2.
    (you / see) that new series everyone is talking about?
  3. 3.
    I (just / finish) the first draft — do you want to take a look?
  4. 4.
    He (work) for this company for twelve years.
  5. 5.
    We (not / hear) from them since Tuesday.
  6. 6.
    (she / already / confirm) the booking?
  7. 7.
    They (make) some great progress this month.
  8. 8.
    I (not / eat) anything since breakfast — I'm starving.
  9. 9.
    How long (you / know) each other?
  10. 10.
    She (recently / start) a new role.
All TopicsPresent Perfect Use

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