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Present Perfect Simple

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 been exercising a lot recently.	(Okay)
I have seen that movie ten times.	(Okay)
I have been seeing that movie ten times.	(NOT Okay)

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Comments (5) Add Comment

Thanks for you site!
written by Mario, February 07, 2008

Hi there,
I'm Mario Sampilo from Philippines. I just want to let you know that I really appreciate you website. It's excellent indeed. Lessons are brief but clearly discussed, specially the grammar. It would be of great help for me. Keep it up guys!

...
written by safa, February 19, 2008

write less commons

question
written by karim, March 18, 2008

thank you very much about this fantastic site but i want to ask about the difference between past simple and present perfect for example when i say [i went to club] and [i have gone to the club[