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Present Perfect Handout

This document provides an overview of the present perfect tense in 3 paragraphs. It begins by defining the present perfect tense structure as subject + have/has + past participle + complement. It explains that the present perfect tense connects the past and present and is used for unfinished or ongoing actions. The second paragraph describes three common situations where the present perfect tense is used: 1) to discuss experiences at unspecified times, 2) to talk about changes that have occurred over a period of time, and 3) to discuss continuing situations that began in the past and still affect the present. Specific examples are given for each situation to illustrate the proper uses of the present perfect tense.

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351 views2 pages

Present Perfect Handout

This document provides an overview of the present perfect tense in 3 paragraphs. It begins by defining the present perfect tense structure as subject + have/has + past participle + complement. It explains that the present perfect tense connects the past and present and is used for unfinished or ongoing actions. The second paragraph describes three common situations where the present perfect tense is used: 1) to discuss experiences at unspecified times, 2) to talk about changes that have occurred over a period of time, and 3) to discuss continuing situations that began in the past and still affect the present. Specific examples are given for each situation to illustrate the proper uses of the present perfect tense.

Uploaded by

nedatovic
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Vita Education Services

www.vitaeducation.org

Present Perfect Tense: I have seen that movie many times Structure: S + have/has + V past participle + C
This tense is called the present perfect tense. There is always a connection with the past and with the present. We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. Important: You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Mexico, at that moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc. It is best to associate Present Perfect with the following topics: 1. Experience 2. Change 3. Continuing situation Situation 1 Experience: You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience. The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event. Examples: I have been to France. This sentence means that you have had the experience of being in France. Maybe you have been there once, or several times. I have been to France three times. You can add the number of times at the end of the sentence. I have never been to France. This sentence means that you have not had the experience of going to France. I think I have seen that movie before. Joan has studied two foreign languages.
Datakw/ESL grammar/ present perfect use

Vita Education Services

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Situation 2 Change Over Time: We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time. Examples: You have grown since the last time I saw you. The government has become more interested in arts education. I have broken a leg. I have bought a car. My English has really improved since I joined this class.

Situation 3 Continuing Situation We often use the present perfect tense to talk about a continuing situation. This is a something that started in the past and continues in the present (and will probably continue into the future). We usually use for or since with this structure.

Examples: I have worked here since June. He has been ill for 2 days. A: How long have you known Tara? B: Ive known her since I was a kid I have had a cold for two weeks. She has been in England for six months. Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.
Datakw/ESL grammar/ present perfect use

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