Present Perfect Tense can be used
in three situations:
1. To indicate something that has
happened at an indefinite time in the past.
I have seen that movie already.
She has left for California.
They have not eaten their dinner yet.
2. To indicate something which started
in the past and continues until now.
I have lived in New York for nine years.
We have been here since Friday.
He has played football since he was a child.
3. To indicate something which
occurred recently.
I have been sick lately.
She hasn't slept much recently.
Notes:
When speaking about a specific time,
use past tense.
| A: I have seen that movie already. |
(Non-specific time) |
| B: Oh really? When did you see it? |
|
| A: I saw it last week with Bob. |
(Specific time) |
Some words should not be used in
situation 2 (above)
| I have met John for five years. |
(INCORRECT) |
| I have known John for five years. |
(CORRECT) |
| I met John five years ago. |
(CORRECT) |
| I have met John already. |
(CORRECT) |
Sometimes, but not always, present
perfect continuous can be used instead of present perfect.
| I have lived there for ten years |
(Okay) |
| I have been living there for ten years. |
(Okay) |
| I have exercised a lot recently. |
(Okay) |
| I have seen that movie ten times. |
(Okay) |
| I have been seeing that movie ten times. |
(NOT Okay) |
For Practice: See
"For" or "Since" (from The Internet TESL Journal)
See also:
Present Perfect (from Englishpage.com)
Great
Resources For Teaching & Learning English
