2 Introduction to the Present Perfect

The Present Perfect relates past actions to the present.

PAST PRESENT PERFECT PRESENT

I studied hard at school. Sarah’s studied hard at school.

Paul’s been studying hard.

I’m not at school any more. Sarah and Paul are still at school.
The action was in the past. There is a link to the present.

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 2 Present Perfect Simple and Continuous

Present Perfect Simple and Continuous have three main uses.

1 Unfinished Past

The verb action began in the past and continues to the present.

Compare the use of tenses in these examples.

He’s been working here for a year. Sometimes there is no difference
He’s worked here for a year. between the simple and the
continuous.

We’ve been travelling this month. The continuous can suggest a more
temporary situation.
Make the sentence.
Tom / sell / cars / for 2 weeks Tom’s been selling cars for 2 weeks.

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 2 Present Perfect Simple and Continuous

1 Unfinished Past
Verbs that suggest duration are often found in the continuous.

I’ve been waiting for an hour.

play stay sit learn wait rain lie

State verbs rarely take the continuous.

She’s owned this shop for ages.

know have understand belong remember

Make the sentences.

1 I / have / a cold / for weeks I’ve had a cold for weeks.
2 It / snow / for days It’s been snowing for days.

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 2 Present Perfect Simple and Continuous

2 Present result

the results of the action

The verb action happened in the past;
are relevant now.

Compare the use of tenses in these examples.

He’s broken his leg. (=Completed action)
I’m hot because I’ve been running. (=Action in progress)

Make the sentences with the correct form of the Present Perfect.

1 I (finish) my exams. Hurray! I’ve finished my exams. Hurray!

2 I (swim), so I’m tired. I’ve been swimming, so I’m tired.

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 2 Present Perfect Simple and Continuous

2 Present result
Verbs that suggest a short action are more often found in the simple.

Maya’s found a new job.

start find decide cut lose break end die

In the continuous, these verbs suggest a repeated activity.

My boss has been finding mistakes in my work recently.

Make the sentences with the Present Perfect.

1 I (cut) my hair for years! I’ve been cutting my hair for years!
2 He (decide) to buy a sat nav. He’s decided to buy a sat nav.

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 2 Present Perfect Simple and Continuous

3 Indefinite past

The verb action happened at an We are focusing on the

unspecified time in the past. experience now.

We’ve never seen a Bollywood film. The actual time isn’t important.
Has he ever lost his temper?

What’s the difference between these two sentences?

Irina’s been to Toronto. Indefinite past
(At some point in her life.)
Paul’s gone to Spain. Present result
(He’s there now.)

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