Advanced Grammar ENGL1221 - The Present Perfect Simple

Formula:
- Positive and Negative: Subject + have/has + V3 (past participle)
- Question: Has/Have + Subject + V3 (past participle)?
Present Perfect Simple Form:
  - Pronouns and Forms:
    - I/You/We/They: have, haven’t
    - He/She/It: has
Example Question:
- “Have I/you/we/they been to the United States?”
- “Has he/she/it …?”

Definition: The Present Perfect Simple expresses an action or state which began in the past and continues to the present.
Examples:
- “I’ve known John for six years.”
- “How long have you worked for The London Gazette?”
Common Time Expressions:
  - “For” is used with a period/duration of time:
    - “We have lived here for three years.”
  - “Since” is used with a specific point in time:
    - “They’ve lived here since 2010.”
    - “I have known Rob since I was in high school.”
  - Note: The verb before since is present perfect, the verb after since is simple past.

Definition: The Present Perfect Simple connects the present and the past; it expresses experiences in life before now.
Examples:
  - “I’ve met a lot of famous people.” (before now)
  - “She has won a lot of awards.” (in her life)
  - “I’ve travelled a lot in Africa.” (in my life)
  - “She’s written three books.” (up to now)
  - “He’s made six TV programmes.” (so far; he’ll probably make more)
Common Expressions:
  - Words like ever and never are frequently used:
    - “Have you ever been to Africa?”
    - “I’ve never played basketball.”

Definition: The Present Perfect Simple expresses a past action that has results in the present; it emphasizes recent past actions.
Examples:
  - “I’ve lost my wallet.” (Implying that I do not currently have it)
  - “The taxi’s arrived.” (Indicating that it is currently outside)
  - “Has the postman been?” (Implies whether there is a parcel for me)
Common Adverbs:
  - “Just”, “already”, and “yet” are often used with this form:
    - “She’s just had some good news.”
    - “I’ve already had breakfast.”
    - “Has the postman been yet?” (situation described at 11:00)
    - “She has not got up yet.”

Definition: The Present Perfect Simple denotes actions continuing into the present versus actions that started and finished in the past.
Example:
1. “Sam has been a Math teacher for 10 years.” (Action is ongoing, Sam loves teaching)
2. “Sam was a Math teacher for 10 years, from 2000 to 2010.” (This implies he is no longer a teacher)

Example Sentences:
  1. “I lived in Paris for two years, from 2007-2009.” (Action has finished)
    - “I’ve lived in Paris since 2009.” (Action is not finished)
  2. “I’ve been to Scotland.” (This is an experience in my life)
    - “I went to Scotland with my family two years ago.” (Definite time in past)
Further Examples:
1. “Tom has lost his key.” (Current situation: cannot get into the house)
2. “Tom lost his key yesterday.” (Indicates a specific past event)

Use the Correct Form:
  1. A: “Have you ever (fly) in a helicopter?”
     B: “Yes, I have.”
     A: “Where did you (fly)?”
     B: “I (fly) over New York.”
  2. A: “Oh dear, I (break) my glasses.”
     B: “What happened?”
     A: “I (drop) them.”

Past Simple Time Expressions:
- last week, yesterday, the day before yesterday, in 1999, on July 21st, three months ago
Present Perfect Time Expressions:
- since (Monday), ever, never, just, already, for two weeks (ongoing)

Azar, B. S. & Hagen, S. (2017). Understanding and Using English Grammar (5th ed.). NY: Pearson Education.
Soars, J., & Soars, L. (2012). New headway: Pre-Intermediate (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.