Present Perfect Simple: aspects of use. Learn English online

From the school desk, students are intimidated by the difficult to understand parts of English, which must be crammed, otherwise you will not communicate and understand the language even at a minimal level. In fact, the prim English have only three times, just like in our great and mighty tongue: present, past and future. However, you should understand: each time has its own characteristics, in other words, types. In this article we will look at the present tense and its form Present Perfect Simple.

English present tense

The present tense in English has 4 types:

1. Present Perfect.
2. Present Simple.
3. Present Perfect Continuous.

Exercises usually help to reinforce the complexities of using these forms. It should be understood that these are not isolated rules, they have a certain system. The main thing in studying is to understand the essence of each tense, when it needs to be applied in practice in writing, and when in live conversation.

Time formula

The name of the tense form Present Perfect Simple is translated as “present perfect tense”. The perfect form is one of the most used in communication by residents of England and America, although we hear it less often in the speech of the latter. Formed this type present tense according to the following formula: auxiliary + main verb in 3rd form.

Third form for regular verbs is formed by adding and for irregular ones there is its own form, which is usually given in dictionaries.

For example:

I have already cleaned my room. - “I have already cleaned my room” (the verb clean is correct).

He has already drunk his tea. - “He has already drunk his tea” (the verb drink is incorrect).

Thus, we can say that the present perfect tense is quite simple to form; the main thing is to know whether you are using the correct form of the verb or not.

The third part of the table in dictionary publications and textbooks contains the third form of the verb. For example: the verb be (translated as to be, to exist) has the following forms: be/was (were)/been.

Using the present perfect tense

Present Perfect Simple is used when it is necessary to express exactly the result of an action that has already been performed. With the help of this tense, attention is focused on the result and thus it is clear that the action has already been completed. We also use Simple when we talk about an action that happened in an unfinished period of time. Remember that the main thing for understanding the perfect is the connection with the present moment and the fact of completion of the action. For example: " I have already eaten watermelon." - I have already eaten melon. That is, we mean the result of the action itself, the actual result.

These two tense forms refer to the present tense, but have different meaning. Present Simple is used when talking about events that happen usually and every day. The main indicators for it are the following words: always (always), usually (usually), rarely (rarely), often (often). The Present Perfect expresses an action that has already been performed and has a certain result at the time of the speaker’s speech. Also, these two times have different formation formulas. The simple tense is used in live communication much more often than the perfect tense. He has many words - pointers, that is, words that directly say that it is necessary to use the perfect tense.

Difference between Present Perfect and Past Simple

When learning English, the question always arises of when to use the Present Perfect and when to use the Past Simple. It is necessary to understand the basic postulates of using these forms of time. The most important thing to remember is that “Past Simple” is the past tense, it talks about events that have already happened. “Present perfect” is the present tense, it talks about something that was started earlier and not yet finished, or finished, but has a relationship with today. Sometimes you can understand from the meaning of the text itself that it is the perfect that needs to be used. You should choose the time depending on what needs to be said to the speaker, based on the situation that has arisen.

Timing Rules

If the situation or time period in question has ended and has no connection with the present, then “Past Simple” should be used. When using the Past Simple it can mean that this person can no longer carry out any action. If you don’t say in more detail in a conversation about the reason for choosing this time, then you might think that the person is no longer alive.

She always loved watching TV. - “She always loved watching TV” (meaning that she doesn’t watch TV anymore because she died).

She has always loved watching TV. - “She always loved watching TV” (she loved it before and still loves it).

Etymology of the word

The word perfect comes from Latin language and is translated as “completion”, and the meaning of “perfection”, in the sense of the absence of shortcomings, acquired much later. In fact, the word perfect acquired the meaning of “flawless” by expanding its previous meaning, because something created is completed when it no longer has flaws. Perfect tenses are so called because they refer to actions that are completed relative to the present tense. For example: “I ate the bread” is an action that is currently completed. However, not every use of the present perfect tense is associated with the idea of ​​completion. In fact, the perfect form exists in many European languages, including our Russian language.

English is not difficult. The rules are easy to remember and there are not many of them.

A) Present perfect used when describing an event that happened in the past and is relevant, significant, significant at the time of speech about it. It does not matter when this action took place. The present perfect is often used with the adverbs lately (recently), and just (just), already (already) never (ever), ever (ever), yet (yet).
Example: I have forgotten his name. – I forgot his name (and don’t remember at the moment)

b) The present perfect is used when an action has already taken place, but the period of time when it occurred has not yet expired.
Example: I have met him today. – I saw him today. (“today” has not yet expired) He has bought a new car this year. – He bought a new car this year (“this year” has not yet expired)

Formation of narrative sentences in the Present Perfect: Formed using the present tense forms of the auxiliary verb to have(have; has)

Present tense forms of the verb to have:

Word order in a declarative sentence: subject + have/has + predicate ending –ed or, if the verb is irregular, then the 3rd form of the verb.
Examples: She has already come. - She has already arrived. I have just visited this supermarket. – I just visited this supermarket.

Formation of interrogative sentences in the Present Perfect: Formed using the auxiliary verb to have in the present tense forms –have; has.Word order in a special question: question word+ have/has + subject + predicate ending –ed or the 3rd form of an irregular verb.
Examples: What have you done? -What did you do? Has he brought this book? - Did he bring this book?

Formation of negative sentences in the Present Perfect: The formation of negative sentences occurs using the same auxiliary verbs. After the auxiliary verb the particle not is placed.
Examples: She has not (hasn’t) come yet. - She hasn't arrived yet. I have not (haven’t) seen him. – I didn’t see him.

The Present Perfect should not be confused with the Past Simple. When using the Past Simple, they usually use one of the indicators of this time, indicating the moment when the event occurred.
Example: He saw her yesterday. – He saw her yesterday.

When using the Present Perfect, use any of the Present Perfect indicators - lately (recently), and just (just now), already (already) never (ever), ever (ever), yet (yet). When talking about an action that has already happened, we may not use any pointers at all. If this action or event is relevant at the moment, then the Present Perfect is used. Example: I have bought it. - I bought this.

All of the above tense forms are given here in the active voice.

A perfect presentation is not difficult to understand, but it is difficult to start using it in your communication.
This material was prepared by native English speakers themselves in a very accessible and understandable form.

What is Present Perfect

1. Present Perfect is a mix of the present tense and the past.
2. Present Perfect - makes your English richer.
3. In American English Present Perfect is often replaced by Past Simple.

When is the Present Perfect used?

1. The action happened and we see the result now.
2. When it comes to our life experiences.
3. When did it happen? various kinds changes in life, in the world, in oneself, etc.
4. When general achievements are mentioned.
5. When you need to emphasize the duration of accomplished facts.

Let's look at the above points in more detail.

1. The action happened and we see the result now

The main marker is the word “just”, which is not translated into Russian, but it is implied. Or when it is important for us to focus on what has been done or happened.

I (just) had breakfast. I have breakfast.
I (just) did my homework. I have done my homework.

I (just) washed my car. I have washed my car.
We (just) arrived. We have arrived.

She (just) forgot her car keys. She has lost her car keys.
The plane (just) landed. The plane has landed.

2. When it comes to our experience

For example: he never ate frogs, she never went to America, they flew on a plane, we never got chickenpox, etc.

The main marker is the word “once, before” or “never”, which are also not translated, but are implied by the context.

I've seen this movie (before). I have seen this movie.
Have you ever been in love? Have you ever fallen in love?

She had never seen snow. She has never seen snow.
Have you ever driven a Ferrari? Have you ever driven on a Ferrari?

I was (once, before) in Paris. I have visited Paris.
I've never been sick (before). I've never been sick before.
I've seen this world. I've seen the world.

3. When various kinds of changes occurred in life

What could it be: gasoline prices have risen, a new house has been built nearby, the child has grown up, you have learned more words in English language, elected a new president, etc.

She has lost weight. She has lost some weight.
Our son learned to read. Our son has learned how to read.

Gasoline prices have increased significantly. Gas prices have increased a lot.

My dream has come true. My dream has come true.

Since I moved to Canada, my English has really improved.
My English has really improved since I moved to Canada.

Vanechka has grown since the last time I saw him.
Ivan has grown since the last time I saw him.

4. When talking about overall achievements

Apple released new iPhone, a man flew to Mars, a new cure for cancer was invented, and the ideal car was finally created in Russia.

Doctors have discovered drugs for many diseases.
Doctors have discovered cures for many diseases.

Man has been to the moon. Man has been to the moon.

The computer made it possible to study online.
The computer has made it possible to learn online.

5. When to emphasize the duration of accomplished facts

Everything is simple here: we have been in a relationship for 5 years, I have lived in Australia since 1990, I have not seen him for 2 years, she has been working in this company for 10 years, etc..

I haven't been on vacation this year. I haven’t had a holiday this year.
I have known Anya for 5 years. I have known Anna for 5 years.

Sam has been working here for 7 years. Sam has worked here for 7 years.
I haven't seen my brother since last year. I haven’t seen my brother since last year.
We've been dating for 3 months. We have been in a relationship for 3 months.

Important nuance!
If you are taking an exam or focusing on American English, remember:
In American English, present perfect is often replaced by past simple.

I have just seen him. Bre
I saw him.

I just saw him. Amer
I saw him.

She has never seen snow. Bre
She had never seen snow.

She never saw snow. Amer
She had never seen snow.

Formation of the Present Perfect

have/has + verb ending - ed - or irregular verb from the third column -V3-

Simple sentence

Negation in Present Perfect

Questions in the Present Perfect

Greetings, my dear readers.

How different do you think our Russian and English perceptions of time are? I'll tell you this: it's like two opposites. Just look at Present Perfect Tense. There is no analogue to such a phenomenon in our speech. But the British cope with this easier. So today I will teach you this magic trick.

Today we'll figure it all out present rules Perfect. We will discuss the rules of formation and rules of use. We've got plenty of example sentences and tips ahead to help you tackle this topic more easily.

How is it formed

Let's look at the sentence structure:

Subject + auxiliary verb have\has + predicate in 3rd form + objects and circumstances.

I have finished the presentation already. - I have already finished the presentation.

She doesn’t go to school because she has fallen from the horse. - She doesn't go to school because she fell off her horse.

Just by looking at the examples you can already see important aspect this tense - the use of an auxiliary verb have.

1. For the first and second person (I, we, you, you, they) - we use an auxiliary verb have .
2. For the third person (he, it, it) - comes into play has .

And to understand how forms are formed in all types English sentences, we have a wonderful table below.

The negative form is formed due to the particle not.

And to form a question, you need to send the auxiliary verb have to the beginning of the sentence.

Understanding the rules of education is only half the battle. Now we need to understand when to use it.

When to use: beginner level

• When we want to show the result of an action that has already happened.

They have sold their house. - They sold their house.

I don’t want to see him in person. I have talked to him on the phone recently. That's enough. - I don't want to see him in person. I talked to him on the phone recently. It's enough.

• Often this tense is used with the indicators already - already, recently - recently, just - just now, yet - yet, already.

I haven’t seen her recently. - I haven't seen her lately.

• The action took place during a period that has not yet ended. This is usually expressed as today\this week\month\year.

We have lived in 8 countries this year. - We lived in 8 countries this year.

I have spent four hours drawing princesses with my little sister today. - Today I spent four hours drawing princesses with my little sister.

• When talking about personal experience. The verbs commonly used are to go, to be, to read, to try, to visit, etc.

Have you ever been to Sweden? -Have you ever been to Sweden?

I have never tried Thai cuisine. - I have never tried Thai cuisine.

She has been to London twice this month. - She was in London twice this month.

• Situations and events that started earlier and are still relevant.

He has been a member of the team for 3 years already. - He has been a member of the team for 3 years.

• Actions that have just completed.

I have just received my exam results. - I just received the results of my exam.

When to use: Professional level

The English language can be difficult at times. We will now find out what difficulties the Present Perfect has in store for us.

• We cannot use some verbs in the present continuous tense. For example, know, want. But in the Present Perfect they can be used without problems.

We have known each other for 15 years. - We have known each other for 15 years.

He has dreamed of becoming a biker since he was 5. - He dreamed of becoming a biker since he was 5.

• When we say we are doing something for the first, second or third time. To do this, we use the construction it is the first\second\third time I have done something.

It is the sixth time Jane has called her parents for the evening. - Jane called her parents six times this evening.

It is the first time I have read the book so fast. That's because it is amazing. - This is the first time I read a book so quickly. It's because she's gorgeous.

Peculiarities

Very often, a terrible confusion between Present Perfect and Past Simple matures in the minds of students. This is understandable, because for us everything that happens in the past should be shaped by the past. And here is some kind of past in the present. Go figure it out.

But to avoid such confusion, I have for you, where exercises and theory will help you sort out the answers to your questions and then consolidate them.

In short, the most important difference is the meaning and time indicators. If you see the words ago, yesterday, last week...- this will be Past Simple. If you catch your eye already, never, just, yet, since - feel free to use the Present Perfect.

You didn’t text me yesterday. - You didn't write to me yesterday.

They haven't been texted recently. - They haven't written lately.

That's all for me, my dears. Remember that without practice you will not master the lesson 100%. So hurry up and go. Offers interesting tasks and tests with answers.

And I say goodbye to you for today.

P.S.

Ask your questions in the comments, and I will be happy to answer them and help you understand the topic. And if you don’t want to miss the latest materials that I share with my subscribers first of all, subscribe to the blog newsletter. I promise you won't regret it.

Perfect time meaning and translation.
Perfect denotes an action that precedes a specific moment or another action in the past, present or future tense. The main goal is to express precedence (pre-past, pre-present and pre-future).

There is no form similar to Perfect in the Russian language, so in order to correctly translate a sentence you need to think about its meaning.
Example:
Present Perfect: I have bought a lamp. I bought a lamp.

Past Indefinite: Yesterday. I bought a lamp. Yesterday I bought a lamp.
The first sentence with the Present Perfect already shows the result of the action: I bought a lamp. The lamp has already been purchased by now.

The second sentence, where the verb in Past Indefinite simply tells about a fact that happened yesterday. All tenses Perfect

are formed using the auxiliary verb to have in the appropriate tense (present, past and future) and the 3rd main form of the verb.

Present Perfect (Present Perfect)
Present Perfect expresses the connection between the past and the present. This connection can be expressed in two ways:
firstly, the presence of the result of a previously performed action;

Present Perfect can be used in the following cases:

1. To express an action that has completed at the time of speech, therefore it can be called pre-present. The time of action, as a rule, is not important, since the very fact of performing the action to the present moment or its result is important.

Kate has read this book. Anna (already) read this book.
Do not go to the shop, I have bought bread. Don't go to the store, I bought bread.
I have seen the film and I think it’s dull. I (already) watched the movie and think it's boring.

Note:

The Present Perfect is often used with adverbs such as:
- just (just now);
- already (already);
- lately (recently);
- of late (lately);
- yet (in negative sentences);

2. To express an action that has already taken place for the period in which it occurred, is still ongoing and can be denoted by the time circumstance today, this week, this month, this year, this century.

I have seen the film twice this week. I've already watched this movie twice this week.

I have written a letter this morning. I already wrote a letter this morning.

3. To express an action that began in the past, continued up to the present time and continues in the present, that is, an action that covers a whole period of time, including the present moment.

I have always been in love with you. I have always loved you (I loved you before, I love you now).
I have known him all my life. I've known him all my life. (I knew it before, I know it now).

Past Perfect

The past perfect (Past Perfect) expresses a past action that preceded a specific moment in the past or completed before another action in the past, which preceded the past. Translated in the past tense, sometimes with the addition of already.

The Past Perfect can be used in the following cases:

1. To express a past action that has already taken place before a certain point in the past. This moment time can be indicated by a circumstance of time. (by 6 o’clock, by Saturday, by that time, by the end of the week)

He had left by the 5th of January. He left before January 5th.
I had never seen him before yesterday. I never saw him until yesterday.
I had cleaned the office by 7 o’clock. By seven o'clock I had cleaned the office.

2. To express a past action that has already been performed before another, later past action, expressed by a verb in the Past Indefinite, i.e., the past perfect (Past Perfect) is used in complex sentences.

He had already gone when I arrived. He had already left when I showed up.
My mother had visited Moscow before, and so the city was not new for her. My mother had visited Moscow earlier, and therefore the city was not unfamiliar to her.

After she cried, she felt better. After she cried, she felt better.

Future Perfect

The Future Perfect is used to express a future action that will end before a certain point in the future (pre-future).

The point in the future before which an action will end is expressed as:

A) An adverb of time with the preposition by. (by 6 o’clock, by the end of the week)
B) Another future action, expressed by Present Indefinite in a subordinate clause of time and condition with the following conjunctions: before, when.

When they meet next time, he will have read this book. The next time they meet, he will read this book.
I shall have finished this work before you return. I'll have finished this job before you get back.

The Future Perfect is used with already and other adverbial words, these words are placed after shall.

By the end of this week my friend will already have written his report. By the end of the week my friend will write his report.

Note:

The Future Perfect is not used to express future action in adverbial circumstances. subordinate clauses time and conditions, which are introduced by the words after, when, as soon as, if and others. In these cases, the Present Perfect is used instead of the Future Perfect.

She will go to the country as soon as she passed her exams. She will go to the village as soon as she passes her exams.
I shall give you the book after I have read it. I'll give you the book after I read it.
They will start at 7 o’clock if it has stopped raining by that time. They will leave by seven o'clock if the rain stops by then.