We use the present perfect simple tense to talk about an finished action that still affects the present. There’s. no mention of time.
- I’ve lost my keys. (So I can’t drive)
- I’ve bought a new puppy. (now I have a puppy to look after.)
- We’ve run out of milk.
We also use present perfect to talk about ‘how long.’ We often use the words for and since. For+ period of time. Since + the start of the period.
- Jan has been away for three days.
- I have known Jim for five years.
- I’ve owned this dress for two years.
- I’ve known Sally since 1984.
- Paul has worked here since July.
- I’ve lived in my house since 2022.
We talk about past experiences. We often use the words ever and never in this case. Ever is used in questions and never is used in negative sentences.
- Have you ever met the queen? No I have never met the queen.
- Have you ever been to Paris? No I have never been to Paris.
- Have you ever flown in a helicopter? Yes, I did once.
For recently finished actions. (Not long ago) Often with just.
- Would you like a cup of tea? No thank you, I’ve just had lunch.
- What time does the bus come? Sorry, it has just left.
- Can I speak to Paul? Sorry, he’s just left for the day.
- Your hair looks nice. Thank you. I’ve just had it cut.
To ask whether something has happened, or to say that something has been done. Often used with yet and already.
- Have you started your new job yet? Not yet. I start next week.
- When are you going to do your homework? I‘ve already done it.
- Has the rain started yet? No, but it looks like it will rain soon.
- I’m going to get some milk. Oh, I’ve already bought some.
To say that something started in the past and is still going.
- I’ve wanted to buy that dress since it came into the shop.
- He has loved dogs his entire life.
To read about how to form the present perfect simple tense, please go here.
To practise using the present perfect tense, please click below.
