Present Perfect Tense: Rules, Examples & Usage | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about the Present Perfect Tense in English grammar. We'll cover the formation, usage, and provide plenty of examples. You'll discover how to connect past actions with the present and master this essential tense.
What is Present Perfect Tense?
Present Perfect Tense Definition: Present perfect tense connects past actions with the present moment. It uses have/has + past participle to show completed actions that have present relevance or continue from past to present.
Why is Present Perfect Important? It's crucial for talking about life experiences, recent actions, and ongoing situations that started in the past but affect the present.
Present Perfect Tense Structure
| Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + have/has + Past Participle | I have worked / She has gone |
| Negative | Subject + have/has + not + Past Participle | I haven't worked / She hasn't gone |
| Question | Have/Has + Subject + Past Participle? | Have I worked? / Has she gone? |
Use "have" with I/you/we/they and "has" with he/she/it.
When to Use Present Perfect Tense
1. Completed Actions with Present Results
- I have finished my homework. (Now I'm free)
- She has bought a new car. (She has it now)
- They have cleaned the house. (It's clean now)
- We have booked the tickets. (We have them)
2. Life Experiences
- I have visited Japan three times.
- She has never eaten sushi before.
- They have traveled to many countries.
- We have seen that movie already.
3. Actions from Past to Present
- I have lived here for five years.
- She has worked there since 2020.
- They have been friends for a long time.
- We have studied English since childhood.
4. Recent Actions
- I have just arrived at the office.
- She has already finished her lunch.
- They have recently moved to a new house.
- We have lately been very busy.
Past Participle Formation
| Verb Type | Base Verb | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| Regular verbs: add -ed | work, play, finish | worked, played, finished |
| Irregular verbs: unique forms | go, see, write | gone, seen, written |
| Same as base: no change | put, cut, hit | put, cut, hit |
| Same as past simple | buy, think, bring | bought, thought, brought |
📌 Present Perfect Challenge!
Complete the sentences with the correct form:
- I _____ (live) here for five years.
- She _____ (not/finish) her work yet.
- _____ you ever _____ (visit) London?
- They _____ (just/arrive) at the airport.
Show Answers
- I have lived here for five years.
- She hasn't finished her work yet.
- Have you ever visited London?
- They have just arrived at the airport.
Common Time Expressions
Duration
- for + period (for 2 years)
- since + starting point (since 2020)
- all my life, always
Time Markers
- just, already, yet
- ever, never, recently
- so far, up to now, lately
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using with specific past time: ❌ "I have seen him yesterday" ✅ "I saw him yesterday"
- Wrong auxiliary: ❌ "She have finished" ✅ "She has finished"
- Wrong past participle: ❌ "I have went" ✅ "I have gone"
- Missing auxiliary in questions: ❌ "You finished?" ✅ "Have you finished?"
- Wrong position of adverbs: ❌ "I have finished already" ✅ "I have already finished"
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the correct form
- I (have lived/lived) here since 2019.
- She (has already eaten/already ate) breakfast.
- (Have you ever been/Did you ever go) to Paris?
- They (have just arrived/just arrived) home.
- We (haven't seen/didn't see) him for weeks.
Show Answers
- have lived
- has already eaten
- Have you ever been
- have just arrived
- haven't seen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is present perfect tense?
Present perfect tense connects the past with the present. It uses have/has + past participle to show completed actions with present relevance or actions that started in the past and continue now.
How do you form present perfect tense?
Use have + past participle with I/you/we/they, and has + past participle with he/she/it. Examples: I have finished, She has written.
What are some examples of present perfect tense?
Examples include: I have lived here for 5 years, She has already eaten, They have visited Paris, We have finished the project.
When do we use present perfect tense?
Use present perfect for: completed actions with present results, experiences, actions that started in the past and continue, recent actions with "just", and with time expressions like "already", "yet", "for", "since".
What's the difference between present perfect and simple past?
Present perfect connects to the present (I have finished - result matters now), while simple past is disconnected from now (I finished yesterday - specific past time).
How do you make negative sentences in present perfect?
Add "not" after have/has: I have not (haven't) finished, She has not (hasn't) arrived yet.
How do you ask questions in present perfect?
Put have/has before the subject: Have you finished? Has she arrived? What have you done?
What time expressions are used with present perfect?
Common expressions: just, already, yet, for, since, ever, never, recently, lately, so far, up to now, this week/month/year.
Conclusion
Present Perfect Tense is essential for connecting past actions with the present moment. Master the have/has + past participle pattern to express experiences, ongoing situations, and completed actions with present relevance!