Present Perfect Simple

When do we use the Present Perfect Simple?

The Present Perfect Simple is a combination of past and present. It is used for actions in the past that have something connection with the present. 

1. Result of an action in the past that is important to the present (It is not important when this action happened so we do not use a specific time in the past – e.g. yesterday – if we do then we must use the Past Simple.)

I have finished my homework.
(It is all completed now. It is not important when.)

Have you ever been to America?
(Has you been there or not in your life? it is not important when )

2. Recently completed actions with a connection to now

He has just run a marathon.
(It is over but he is all hot and out of breath. So there is a connection to a finished past action and now.)

I have just painted the room.
(the job is finished but it is news to the listener)

3. State beginning in the past and still continuing – mostly with since (point of time) or for (period of time)

We have lived in London since 2010.
(We still live there.)

4. together with lately, recently, yet

I have been to Berlin recently.
(no specific point of time)

He has not phoned me yet.
(He has not done it.)

5. Signal words

• already
• for
• ever
• just
• lately
• never
• recently
• since
• so far
• until now/till now
• up to now
• (not) yet

6. Form

have/has + past participle *

7. Examples

7.1. Affirmative sentences in the Present Perfect – regular verbs

7.2. Affirmative sentences in the Present Perfect – irregular verbs

7.3. Negative sentences in the Present Perfect – regular verbs

7.4. Negative sentences in the Present Perfect – irregular verbs

* past participle:

• regular verbs → infinitive + -ed
• irregular verbs → 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs