1.3: Present Perfect Simple

Question 1

Where is the present perfect located in the time range?

Answer 1

The present perfect sits between the past and present tense

Question 2

Explanation of the present perfect simple using the following sentence:
I have washed the car.

Answer 2

No specific time is given, implying that it’s clean now, or that you’ve just finished this task

Question 3

What is the general rule for the present perfect simple? (exception)

Answer 3

If something happened in the past but there’s some sort of
connection with the present: use present perfect.
HOWEVER:
As soon as a time expression in the past is given, you have to
use the past simple

Question 3

Explanation of the present perfect simple using the following sentence:
I have played the piano for eight years.

Answer 3

An action beginning in the past and continuing into the present; you still play piano.
There is a time indication (8 years), however the word ‘for’ changes the meaning and turns it into a duration.

Question 4

Explain the difference between these two sentences;
- I have lived here for three years
- I lived here three years ago

Answer 4

• I have lived here for three years
  General rule: present
  perfect because of a
  connection to the present.
  The person still lives here.
• I lived here three years ago
  Time indication in the past: past simple – completed action in the
  past.
  The person lives
  somewhere else now.

Question 5

Present perfect simple: Use
Resultative uses (+ markers and examples)

Answer 5

1. Emphasis on the result of a past action.
2. A recently completed past action.
   MARKERS: Just, already, recently
   Examples:
   I have washed the car. It’s shiny now (Result)
   He has just finished the report. (Completed action)

Question 6

Present perfect simple: Use
Continuative uses - The continuation (Example and markers)

Answer 6

1: A state or action beginning in the past and continuing up to the present
Examples:
I have known him since 2020. (It’s a four-year-old friendship)
Markers:
- For: Duration
- Since: A fixed point/period in time

Question 7

Present perfect simple: Use
Continuative uses - Experience (Example and markers)

Answer 7

2: A life experience (Often posed ask a question)
Examples:
Have you ever been to Brazil?
Markers:
Ever, never, yet.

Question 8

Time expressions/markers used for the past simple:

Answer 8

Ago, at (holiday), on (day/weekend), in (month/year), last weekend etc.

Question 9

Time expressions/markers used for present perfect simple:

Answer 9

“For, since, already, (not) yet, ever, never, before, so, just, recently

Question 10

Present perfect simple: How is it made? (question and negative?)

Answer 10

have/has + past participle
Question: Inversion takes place
Negative: Add not or n’t
I have worked
Have I worked?
I have not worked / I haven’t worked