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Present Perfect Usages - Part1

Updated: Jul 22, 2022

The present perfect is formed from the present tense of the verb have and the past participle of a verb.

We use "present perfect" in these situations:

  • for something that started in the past and continues in the present:

They've been married for nearly fifty years. She has lived in Liverpool all her life.
  • when we are talking about our experience up to the present:

I've seen that film before. I've played the guitar ever since I was a teenager. He has written three books and he is working on another one.

We often use the adverb ever to talk about experience up to the present:

My last birthday was the worst day I have ever had.

and we use never for the negative form:

Have you ever met George? Yes, but I've never met his wife.
  • for something that happened in the past but is important in the present:

I can't get in the house. I've lost my keys. Teresa isn't at home. I think she has gone shopping.

have been OR have gone?

When , HOw ?

We use have/has been when someone has gone to a place and returned:

A: Where have you been? B: I've just been out to the supermarket.
A: Have you ever been to San Francisco? B: No, but I've been to Los Angeles.

But when someone has not returned, we use have/has gone:

A: Where's Maria? I haven't seen her for weeks. B: She's gone to Paris for a week. She'll be back tomorrow.

More examples: (summary)

  • I have been to Tokyo.(experience)

  • They have visited Paris three times.(experience)

  • We have never seen that film.(experience)

  • I've known Karen since 1994.(unfinished action)

  • She's lived in London for three years.(unfinished action)

  • I've worked here for six months.(unfinished action)

  • I think I have seen that movie before.(experience)

  • He has never traveled by train.(experience)

  • The rain hasn't stopped.(unfinished action)


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