PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

WHAT IS PRESENT PERFECT TENSE?

 The present perfect simple is used to talk about events in the recent past that
still affect the present moment. It is formed with "have" and a past
participle.
The present perfect can be used in several different ways:
----It is used to talk about a change or new information.

I have bought a car.

past now future

Yesterday, I did not Now, I have a car.

have a car.

Connection with the past: the past is the opposite of the present.
Connection with the present: the present is the opposite of the past.

---- It is used to talk about the experience from the past. We are not interested in it
when you did something. We only want to know if you did it

I have seen your ex

past now future

The state was in the In my head, I have a

past. memory now.

---- It is used to talk about a continuing situation. This is a state that started in the
past and continues in the present (and will probably continue). This is a state (not
an action). We usually use it for or since with this structure.
 I have worked here since February.

past now future

The situation started in It continues up to now. (it will probably

the past. continue)

Connection with the past: the situation started in the past.

Connection with the present: the situation continues in the present.

HOW TO FORM
Rest of
Have / has + not Subject Have / has + not Past partic.
sentence
- I / You / We / They have bought a car.
- He / she / it has bought a car.
- I / You / We / They have not bought a car.
- He / she / it has not bought a car.
Have I / You / We / They - bought a car?
Has He / she / it - bought a car?

COMMON MISTAKES FORMING PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

It is important not to mix up past simple forms with past participles.
√ I have seen lots of great things here.
× I have saw lots of great things here.

REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDED READING

 Azar, B. S. (1996). Basic English Grammar. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall
Regents.
 Azar, B. S. (2003). Fundamentals of English Grammar: Chart Book: a
Reference Grammar. White Plains, NY: Longman.
 Azar, B. S., & Hagen, S. A. (2009). Understanding and using English
grammar: Workbook. White Plains, N.Y.: Pearson Longman.
 Ansell, M. (2000). Free English Grammar Second Edition.
 Barduhn, S., & Hall, D. (2016). English for Everyone–English Grammar
Guide. New York: DK Publishing.
 Murphy, R., Smalzer, W. R., & Nguyễn, T. T. (2000). Grammar in Use:
Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
 Murphy, R., & Čhakramāt, S. (2002). Essential grammar in use (Vol. 20010).
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.