1. Exploring Grammar in Context
Kiwan Sung
Kyung Hee University

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

3. 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

4. Basic Tense(Frame of time reference)
Past
Present
Future

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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