Present Perfect Simple

have/has + past participle

Example: He has finished his homework.

have/has not + past participle

Example: I haven't finished my homework.

have/has ... + past participle?

Example: Have you finished your homework?

The principal uses of the present perfect are listed below.

• To refer to a time period which is not yet finished (e.g. today, this month): We**'ve bought** a new house this week. (an incomplete period)

• To show that something happened in the past. We don't state when is happened: I**'ve lost** my watch. Have you seen it anywhere?

Note: If we give the time we must use the simple past: I lost my watch yesterday. (not I've lost my watch yesterday)

The following time expressions are often used: ever, never, always, up to now, so far. This is the worst storm we**'ve ever had**. (at any point before now)

• To talk about a situation which started in the past and usually continues after the time of speaking in the present:

He has lived here for six years. (He has lived here till now)

We use for with a length of time (e.g. for three weeks, for two days, for six years) and since with a point in time (e.g. since 2010, since Wednesday, since nine o'clock, since I was five, since I moved here)

• To talk about an action which occured at an unstated time in the past, provided that there is still a connection with the present: I**’ve collected** all the documents that are needed for the house sale. (I have the documents now)

Note: If we give the time we must use the simple past: I lost my watch yesterday. (not I've lost my watch yesterday)

The following time expressions are often used: recently, just, already, and yet with negatives or questions. I**'ve just arrived**. Have you done your homework yet?

Compare the use of the present perfect with the past simple:

Present perfect

Past simple

links the past with the present: John has won several awards. (at some point before now and he may win more awards)

only talks about the past: John won several awards in 2012.

does not talk about a specific time in the past: Have you read the latest issue of the Magazine? (at some time before now)

states a specific past time, or the time is understood: I read the latest issue of the Magazine when I was at home. (I'm not at home now and the reading is finished)

uses time expressions that show the time period is unfinished: I haven't seen John this morning. (up to 12 noon, the morning isn't finished)

uses time expressions that show the time is finished: I didn't see John this morning. (after 12 noon, last morning has finished)

Note the position of the following time expressions that occur with the present perfect:

• between the auxiliary and main verb (e.g. recently, already, always, ever, just, never): I've already bought my ticket. I’ve never met your brother.

Ever is generally used with questions or negatives: Have you ever been to London?

• after the main verb (e.g. all my life, every day, yet, before, for ages, for two weeks, since 2001, since I was ten etc.) I haven't seen him for ages. I’ve known John since I was ten.

if there is an object clause, the time expression comes at the end: I've read this book every morning since then. He hasn't ridden since he broke his arm.