Present Perfect
Definition
The Present Perfect Tense describes actions that happened in the past but have a result or relevance in the present. It emphasizes completed actions or changes rather than ongoing activities.
Formula: Subject + has/have + Past Participle (V3) + Object
Tip: This tense is often used to show completion, experience, or changes rather than the duration of an ongoing activity.
Uses of Present Perfect Tense
| # | Use | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Completed Actions with Present Result | Shows actions that are finished but have an effect now. | I have finished my homework. She has cleaned the house. |
| 2 | Life Experiences | Indicates that someone has experienced something in their life up to now. | He has traveled to France. They have seen this movie before. |
| 3 | Changes Over Time | Shows how situations or conditions have changed recently or gradually. | My English has improved. Prices have risen this year. |
Sentence Structures
Positive Structure
Subject + has/have + Past Participle (V3) + Object
1) I have finished my homework.
2) She has cleaned the house.
3) They have visited London.
Negative Structure
Subject + has/have not (hasn’t/haven’t) + Past Participle (V3) + Object
1) I haven’t finished my homework.
2) She hasn’t cleaned the house.
3) They haven’t visited London.
Interrogative Structure
Has/Have + Subject + Past Participle (V3) + Object?
1) Have you finished your homework?
2) Has she cleaned the house?
3) Have they visited London?
Negative Interrogative Structure
Has/Have + Subject + not + Past Participle (V3) + Object?
1) Haven’t you finished your homework?
2) Hasn’t she cleaned the house?
3) Haven’t they visited London?
Common Signal Words
- already
- yet
- just
- ever
- never
- so far
- recently
Examples in Context
- 1) I have finished my homework (Positive)
- 2) She hasn’t cleaned the house (Negative)
- 3) Have you visited France before? (Interrogative)
- 4) Haven’t they completed the project yet? (Negative Interrogative)
- 5) He has just arrived at the office (Positive)
- 6) I haven’t seen that movie (Negative)
- 7) Has she improved her English? (Interrogative)
- 8) Hasn’t he returned from the trip? (Negative Interrogative)
- 9) They have completed their tasks (Positive)
- 10) We haven’t received the letter (Negative)
- 11) Have you heard the news? (Interrogative)
- 12) Haven’t you met him yet? (Negative Interrogative)
- 13) She has improved her skills (Positive)
- 14) He hasn’t visited the museum (Negative)
- 15) Have they completed the assignment? (Interrogative)