The present perfect

Form: "has/have" plus "the past participle".
I have just done my homework but John hasn't done his homework yet.
Use


  1. For events that have happened in the recent past. She has just come back from Paris.

  2. For events that have started in the past and continue into the future. They have lived in Iceland for many years.

  3. For things you have done but you don't mention when you have done them. For achievements. I've read that book. We've seen that film.

Time expressions used with the present perfect tense.

  1. Ever: It is used in questions and is placed between have + subject and the past participle. Have you ever been to Russia?

  2. Never: It is used in affirmative sentences and gives a negative meaning and it is placed between have +subject and the past participle. I have never been to Russia.

  3. Yet: It is used in questions and negative sentences and it is placed at the end of the sentence. I haven't made it yet. Have you made it yet?

  4. Since: It refers to the time when the action started. She has lived here since 1999.

  5. For: It refers to the duration of the action. I've grown my own vegetables for years.

  6. Recently: It is placed between have +subject and the past participle or at the end of the statement or question. He has recently bought a new flat. Have you seen her recently?

  7. Lately: It is placed at the end of a statement or question. I haven't been there lately. Have you been there lately?

  8. Just: It is used in affirmative sentences and it is placed between have +subject and the past participle. I have just finished it.

  9. This morning/ this week/ this month etc: They are used when the period of time has not finished yet. She has made two cakes this morning. (It is still morning.)


Note: Mark has been to Paris. (He has come back.)
Mark has gone to Paris. (He is still there.)

We use the past simple tense

  1. For an action which happened at a specific time in the past and we mention when it happened.
    I read that book last year. I saw that film yesterday. She came back from Paris last night.

  2. For an action which stated and finished in the past.
    Julia lived in London two years ago. (She isn't living there now.)