I have sung
The present perfect tense is a rather important tense in English, but it gives speakers of some languages
a difficult time. That is because it uses concepts or ideas that do not exist in those languages. In fact,
the structure of the present perfect tense is very simple. The problems come with the use of the tense.
In addition, there are some differences in usage between British and American English.
In this lesson we look at the structure and use of the present perfect, followed by a quiz to check your
understanding:
- Structure: how to make the present perfect tense
- Use: when and why to use the present perfect tense
- For and Since with the present perfect tense. What's the difference?
- Present Perfect Quiz
interesting tense, and a very useful one. Try
not to translate the present perfect tense into
your language. Just try to accept the concepts
of this tense and learn to "think" present
perfect! You will soon learn to like the
present perfect tense!
How do we make the Present Perfect Tense?
The structure of the present perfect tense is:
subject + auxiliary verb +main verb
have past participle
Here are some examples of the present perfect tense:
Contractions with the present perfect tense
When we use the present perfect tense in speaking, we usually contract the subject and auxiliary verb.
We also sometimes do this when we write.
He's or he's??? Be careful! The 's
contraction is used for the auxiliary verbs
have and be. For example, "It's eaten" can
mean:
· It has eaten. [present perfect tense,
active voice]
· It is eaten. [present tense, passive
voice]
It is usually clear from the context.
Here are some examples:
- I've finished my work.
- John's seen ET.
- They've gone home.
This tense is called the present perfect tense. There is always a connection with the past and with the
present. There are basically three uses for the present perfect tense:
- experience
- change
- continuing situation
