Present Perfect Simple

Present Perfect Simple

Present Perfect Tense can be used in three situations:

1. To indicate something that has happened at an indefinite time in the past :

- I have seen that movie already.

- She has left for California.

- They have not eaten their dinner yet.

2. To indicate something which started in the past and continues until now :

- I have lived in New York for nine years.

- We have been here since Friday.

- He has played football since he was a child.

3. To indicate something which occurred recently :

- I have been sick lately.

- She hasn’t slept much recently.

Notes:

When speaking about a specific time, use past tense.

A: I have seen that movie already.

(Non-specific time)

B: Oh really? When did you see it?

A: I saw it last week with Bob.

(Specific time)

Some words should not be used in situation 2 (above)

I have met John for five years. (INCORRECT)

I have known John for five years. (CORRECT)

I met John five years ago. (CORRECT)

I have met John already.(CORRECT)

Sometimes, but not always, present perfect continuous can be used instead of present perfect.

I have lived there for ten years. (Okay)

I have been living there for ten years. (Okay)

I have exercised a lot recently.(Okay)

I have been exercising a lot recently.(Okay)

I have seen that movie ten times.(Okay)

I have been seeing that movie ten times.(NOT Okay)