Present Perfect

global-bsenior post on November 3rd, 2013

Click the pictures to study the theory!

Present Perfect

I have visited Athens many times in my life. (experiences up to now or something we have done several times in the past and continue to do)

I have bought a new CD. (indefinite time in the past, we don’t say when exactly)

I have studied a lot and that’s why I am tired now. (a past action with results in the present)

Note: have been to – πήγα και γύρισα

have gone to – πήγα και είμαι ακόμη εκεί

Time Expressions

for + a period of time: for 3 years, for 2 months, for 5 days, for ages, for a long time, for five minutes, for 2 hours (I have lived in London for 20 years.)

since + the moment when sth started: since yesterday, since last month, since 2012, since Monday, since last weekend, since I was eight (I have lived in London since 1990.)

ever is used in questions: Have you ever tried any extreme sports?

ever is also used in affirmative sentences with a positive meaning:This is the best film I have ever seen.

never is used in affirmative sentences with a negative meaning: I have never tried any extreme sports. (×It is wrong to say: I haven’t never…)

just is used to describe an action finished a couple of minutes ago: I have just finished my homework.

already is used to describe an action finished at some time in the past: I have already seen that film.

yet is used in questions or in negative sentences at the end: I haven’t finished my homework yet. Have you washed the dishes yet?

Simple Past or Present Perfect?

Note:We use the Present Perfect to start a conversation or ask about people’s experiences, but the answer could be either in the Present Perfect or the Simple Past.

Have you ever livedin Athens? Yes, I lived in Athens last year.

Yes, I have lived in Athens for three years.

Compare: I have eaten Chinese food. (general experience, we don’t say when exactly)

I ate Chinese food yesterday. (specific time in the past)

Note:Present Perfect + for, since, ever, never, how long

Simple Past + last, ago, yesterday, when

video – present perfect for experiences (from the British Council)