PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST SIMPLE (grammar books units 7- 14) Form: have/has + past participle

PAST EXPERIENCE – EVER/NEVER To talk about an experience in your life with no time mentioned Usually use “ ever ” “ never ”: Have you ever been to Oxford? No, never. I’ve never been to Oxford.

RECENT PAST ACTIONS We also use the present perfect to talk about actions done recently In this context, just, already, yet are used. Just and already go before the main verb in positive sentences, yet goes at the end of the phrase in negative sentences and questions. I’ve already done my tasks. Have you finished yet? My brother hasn’t found a new job yet. I’ve just cut my finger.

UNFINISHED STATES WHICH START IN THE PAST AND ARE STILL TRUE NOW To describe an action which starts in the past and continues to now Typically we use for and since. For + a period of time (for two weeks) Since with a point of time (since 1990) How long..? Is used to ask about an unfinished period of time They’ve known each other for 10 years. How long have they been married? For 10 years.

PRESENT PERFECT OR PAST SIMPLE? Use the present perfect when there is a connection between the past and the present: I’ve been to Madrid twice. (in my life up to now) How long have you been married to Alan? (you are married to Alan now) I’ve just bought a new computer. (I don’t say exactly when).

PRESENT PERFECT OR PAST SIMPLE? Use the past simple to ask or talk about finished actions in the past, when the time is mentioned or understood. We often use a past time expression. I went there in 1998 and (on two specific occasions) How long were you married to Jake? (you are not married to Jake now). I bought it on Saturday. (I say when).

Present Perfect Continuous Have/has been + verb + ing Use 1: the same duration form use as the present perfect simple with for and since, but places more emphasis on the continuity of the action. So especially used with action verbs like learn, go, study, work… How long have you been learning English? He’s been working here since April.

Present Perfect Continous Note, it is not used with state verbs such as know, be, have… I’ve known her for 5 years. NOT: I’ve been knowing her for 5 years.

Present Perfect Continous USE 2: For actions which have been going on very recently and have just stopped. Usually we can see the result of that action: Your eyes are red. Have you been crying? No, I’ve been cutting onions.