Present Perfect Tense Rules with examples: Present perfect tense states that either the action has completed at some point in the past or extended to the present. In Present perfect tense, we do not talk about the exact time. The action happened in the unspecified time. Sometimes the concept of Present perfect tense seems very difficult for English learners. There some specific rules to understand the basic idea behind Present perfect tense. Present perfect tense is comprises of two of its main parts: auxiliary ‘to have’ + Main verb.
Present Perfect Tense Rules with examples
Present perfect tense = Subject +has/have (Helping Verb) +3rd Verb+ Object
Has –> (He, She, It, any Name, Singular noun)
Have –> (I, We, They, You, Plural Noun)
For Example
Steve has taught me the lesson before.
Have you studied that book yet?
In both the examples, we are using present perfect tense. In first example, subject Steve has taught the lesson before some time. Auxiliary verb is has and main verb is teach (3rd form Taught). In second example, a question is asked that whether the book has studies yet. Auxiliary verb is has and main verb is study (3rd form studied).
Use of Present Perfect tense
- Past Experience
- Achievements
- Announcing an event in the recent past
- Action stated before and still active
- Action completed in the recent past
- Expected incomplete action
Let’s explain all the above point with the help of some examples
Past Experience
When you explain any experience of your past, means if the sentence ends with before, once, twice, and thrice etc. then Present perfect tense is used at that place.
For examples
- Mark has been to England three times.
- I have never travelled by plane.
- We have gone to Nigeria once.
- Has Rooth seen this girl somewhere before?
Achievements
Present perfect tense is used for any achievements of humanity or individual where you cannot mention a specific time.
For example
- Jullie has learned how to swim.
- Scientists have discovered atom.
- Neil Armstrong has reached to the moon.
- MS Dhoni has won world cup.
- Obbama has achieved the great position in the world.
Action completed in the recent past
Any actions which you have complete just some time before then Present perfect tense is used at that time.
For example
- I have just finished my assignments.
- Have you just completed you exam?
- I have just found her in the market.
- Mark has just left this company.
Reporting or Announcing an event in the recent past
When you are announcing or reporting any event which is just occurred in the recent past.
For example
- Google has announced science fair for this year.
- Manager has cheated repeatedly on his workers.
Expected incomplete action
An uncompleted action which you are expecting to get completed can be used in Present perfect tense.
For example
- Steve has not assigned any job yet.
- The flood has not stopped yet.
- We have still not reached to the hospital.
- James hasn’t played well, but he can play.
Action stated before and still active
When you stated any action in the past and that action is still in its active state or in working position then Present perfect tense is used at that place.
For example
I have loved cycling since my childhood.
Has Mark not attended the class since Monday last?
I have known her since 2000.
Steve has been in London for two month.
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