Present Perfect

When to use the present perfect We use the Present Perfect Tense to talk about experiences. It is important if we have done it in our lives or not. It is not important when we did it. Examples: I have been abroad two times. Anna has never broken a leg. Have you ever eaten sushi? We often use never and ever with the Present Perfect Tense to talk about experience.

When to use the present perfect We use the Present Perfect Tense to talk about an action which started in the past and continues up to now. Examples: I have been a teacher for more than ten years. We haven't seen Janine since Friday. How long have you been at this school? We often use since and for to say how long the action has lasted.

When to use the present perfect We also use the Present Perfect Tense to talk about a past action that has the result in the present. Something has changed. Examples: I have lost my wallet. = I don't have it now. Jimmy has gone to South America. = He isn't here now. Have you finished your homework? = Is your homework ready? We often use just, already and yet with the Present Perfect Tense for an action in the past with the result in the present.

Examples “How many times have you been married?” Present result? Experience? How long an action has lasted?

Examples “Angela has bought a new flat.” Present result? Experience? How long an action has lasted?

Examples “How long have you been here?” Present result? Experience? How long an action has lasted?

Past Simple We use the Past Simple tense to talk about a definite finished time in the past. For example: when, yesterday, last week, when I was at school, then, after etc. Examples I finished university three years ago. Where did we first meet? I didn't study French at school.

Present Perfect We use the Present Perfect tense with time references that refer to the time up to now. For example: today, this week, this month, ever, never, already, recently, yet etc. Examples I haven't seen her today. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? I have never been abroad before.

The day before yesterday Quiz Should we use the past simple or the present perfect with the following time expressions? A long time ago Yet Since we last met After I got married Lately This month The day before yesterday Last night Since last weekend At the weekend

Quiz She has studied very well at school. or She studied very well at school.

Have you ever visited Italy? Or Did you ever visit Italy? Quiz Have you ever visited Italy? Or Did you ever visit Italy?

Quiz Thomas Edison has invented the light bulb. Or Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

How long have you had this job? Or How long did you have this job? Quiz How long have you had this job? Or How long did you have this job?

Quiz I have never smoked a cigarette ever since. Or I didn't smoke a cigarette ever since.

Quiz Charlie Chaplin has made a lot of films. Or Charlie Chaplin made a lot of films.

Quiz When have you last been to the cinema? Or When did you last go to the cinema?

It's the best car I've ever had. Or It's the best car I ever had. Quiz It's the best car I've ever had. Or It's the best car I ever had.

Quiz How many times have you been married? Or How many times were you married?

We haven't had lunch yet. Or We didn't have lunch yet. Quiz We haven't had lunch yet. Or We didn't have lunch yet.