Present perfect tense: Definition, rules, examples

Do you know how to use phrases in present perfect tense like They've travelled to several countries this year, I've lost my wallet, and Have you ever tried sushi? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how the present perfect is used.

• She has visited three art galleries this month.

• I haven't eaten breakfast yet.

• My computer's crashed. Can I borrow yours?

• Have you ever hiked a mountain?

Grammar explanation - Present perfect tense

We use the present perfect simple (have or has + past participle) to talk about past actions or states which are still connected to the present.

1. Unfinished time and states

We often use the present perfect to say what we've done in an unfinished time period, such as today, this week, this year, etc., and with expressions such as so far, until now, before, etc.

• They've participated in several workshops this year.

• We haven't received any updates until now.

• I'm sure I've tried that recipe before.

We also use it to talk about life experiences, as our life is also an unfinished time period. We often use never in negative sentences and ever in questions.

• I've visited eight different countries.

• She's never eaten sushi.

• Have you ever learned a new language?

We also use the present perfect to talk about unfinished states, especially with for, since, and how long.

• He's wanted to travel the world since he graduated.

• I haven't spoken to her for a while.

• How long have you known your best friend?

2. Finished time and states

If we say when something happened, or we feel that that part of our life is finished, we use the past simple.

• We traveled to Italy for the first time in 2015.

• I attended four different universities.

• Before she moved, she worked in various cities.

We also use the past simple for finished states.

• We played soccer every weekend when we were kids.

• I didn't enjoy coffee for many years, but now I love it!

3. Past actions with a result in the present

We can use the present perfect to talk about a past action that has a result in the present.

• He's lost his keys, so he can't get into his house.

• There's been a change in the schedule, so let's check the time.

• They haven't responded yet, so I assume they're busy.

Again, if we say when it happened, we use the past simple.

• He lost his keys yesterday, so he can't get into his house.

However, we often use the present perfect with words like just, recently, already, yet, and still.

• We've recently finished our project.

• She's already watched the entire series and is looking for something new.

• Have you submitted your application yet?

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