In this lesson we’re looking at the Present Perfect in English.
This is our second Present Perfect lesson, so be sure to check out the first lesson too. In this lesson we’re going to look at at some more ways to use this tense, and some more key words.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes by clicking on their links below
– James.
Lesson Contents
How else can the Present Perfect be used?
Have a look at this conversation:
RICHARD: Hi James. Have you travelled a lot?
JAMES: Yes, I‘ve been to lots of places.
RICHARD: Oh yeah? Have you ever been to Peru?
JAMES: Yes, I‘ve been there twice.
RICHARD: Wow! What about Timbuktu?
JAMES: Oh, no. I‘ve never been there.
In this conversation, Richard is asking James where he has been in his life. We use the Present Perfect to talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now. Here are some more examples:
Have you ever seen a whale?
(in your life)
I‘ve never been to America.
(been to = visited)
Have you read my book?
That’s the best cocktail I‘ve ever tried!
I love Star Wars, I‘ve seen it twenty times.
In the following examples, the speakers use key words such as since, so far, in the last few days and recently. We use the Present Perfect with these words because they describe a period of time that continues from the past until now.
Have you seen Bob recently?
I haven’t had any problems so far.
She hasn’t eaten since breakfast.
We‘ve had lots of good news in the last few days.
Other key words
The present perfect is also used with the words today, this evening, this month, etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking.
She hasn’t seen me today.
We’ve had three glasses of wine this evening.
They’ve been to the mountains twice this month.
Other times we use the Present Perfect
The Present Perfect can also be used to talk about the first, second, third (etc.) time that something has happened:
This is the first time I’ve tried paragliding! I’ve never paraglided before.
Bob has finally tried pasta after living in Italy for twelve years!
This is the third time I’ve lost my keys!
She’s texted me five times today.
Recap
- The Present Perfect is also used to talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now.
- Some key words are since, so far & in the last few days.
- The Present Perfect can also be used to talk about the first, second (etc.) time that something has happened.
