Present Perfect Tense: Form, Examples, and Time Expressions

Present Perfect

Form

The present perfect tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" along with a past participle. For example, "I have seen," "She has travelled," "They have learned."

Examples

The present perfect is commonly used to describe experiences or changes that have taken place, often focusing on the result rather than the process. Here are some examples:

• "I have never climbed a tree."
• "He has studied for his exams all night."
• "We have gone to the park every day this week."
• "She has been practicing yoga for years."

Time Expressions

The present perfect is often used with time expressions that indicate a period of time that continues from the past until the present. Some common time expressions include:

• "since," "ago," "up to now," "so far," "already," "yet," "just," "recently."

For example:

• "Since yesterday, I have been feeling ill."
• "Ago, I haven't seen him in weeks."
• "Up to now, we have been enjoying our vacation."
• "So far, he hasn't won any awards."
• "Already, we have finished half of our project."
• "Just yesterday, she started her new job."
• "Recently, I have been reading a great novel."

Win a Competition, Learn to Ski, Ride a Roller Coaster, Go Surfing, Do a Parachute Jump, Ride a Camel, Ride in a Hot-Air Balloon, Meet a Famous Person, Go Scuba Diving, Go Bungee Jumping

These activities could be described using the present perfect tense. For instance:

• "I have never learned to ski."
• "Since last year, I have wanted to ride a roller coaster."
• "Going surfing is something I have always dreamed of doing."
• "My friend did a parachute jump two weeks ago."
• "She has ridden a camel multiple times while traveling through Africa."
• "This afternoon, we went up in a hot-air balloon."
• "Meeting my favorite actor was an unforgettable experience."
• "We went scuba diving last weekend and saw wonderful marine life."
• "He has tried bungee jumping several times."