Exploring Grammar in Context Kiwan Sung Kyung Hee University

Part A Tenses in Context Unit 1 Present Perfect Part A Tenses in Context

Tense Definition -Expand basic meaning of a verb according to timeline one has in mind -Conjugate the basic form of verb into three basic time frame: Past-present-future -Then, conjugate into ‘progressive’, ‘perfect’, & ‘perfect progressive’ to emphasize continuity or completion of acts

Basic Tense(Frame of time reference) Past Present Future

Present Perfect (Frame of time reference) Past Present Filling in time gap

Present Perfect Expand basic form of verb into mostly four different meanings Completed action or thoughts Ex) I have finished my homework. 2. Experience Ex) I have been to the States many times

Present Perfect Expand basic form of verb into mostly four different meanings 3. Results of actions taken in the past but still influencing present Ex) I have failed in the qualifying exam at my grad school. 4. Continuous action expected Ex) I have studied English for five years. (and will probably continue to study more)

Present Perfect Actions or thoughts are connected/relevant to “now”, still current or incomplete Actions or thoughts started in the past are still happening, not completed as of now. If completed, use past Cf.) I knew he was the bad guy. I have known him as the bad guy.

Present Perfect Usually used with adverbs (time) -up to now, for five years, since 1900s, lately, within the last few months, over the last few years, today, this morning, etc. Ex) I haven’t seen him that much lately. I have spoken to him this morning about the emergency meeting today.

Present Perfect In real context, basic tenses (past, present, future) are used more Present Perfect is used more when emphasizing “effects of action” to the present. Present Perfect is used more when expressing time gaps are important Ex) Newspaper headlines, political speeches