Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used to indicate an action that happened at an unspecified time before now. It shows a link between present and the past. The time of the action is not clear
There are several different ways of using present perfect tense. The following are the uses of present perfect tense:
1. When actions started in the past and continue in the present.
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He has worked as a teacher for over nine years.
He has lived in this house for seven years.
She has had the same bag for two years.
2. When actions have repeated with in an unspecified period between the past and now.
She has made that cake so many times.
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They have done this activity five times already.
He has called his sister regularly.
I have stayed at this hotel many times.
3. When the time period referred to is not yet finished.
James has done good work this week.
They have gained a lot of fame this year.
She has not met her friend today.
4. When actions completed in the very recent past.
Has she just meet her father?
She has just gone.
He has just finished his homework.
Have they just come?
5. When the accurate time of the action is not important.
Someone has done their work.
Has she read 'Harry Potter'?
I have finished my science homework.
Forming Present Perfect Tense
auxiliary verb to have + past participle of a verb.
| Subject + | Auxiliary verb + | Main verb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| have, has | past participle | ||
| He, She | has | read | the book. |
| It | has | rained. | |
| They, We, I, You | have | done | this work. |
Affirmative Sentence
She has eaten that cake so many times.
They have done their work already.
He has met his sister already.
I have stayed at this house many times.
Negative Sentence
She has not eaten that cake so many times.
They have not done their work.
He has not met his sister.
I have not stayed at this house.
Interrogative Sentence
Has she eaten that cake so many times?
Have they done their work?
Has he met his sister?
Have I stayed at this house?