Learning Present Perfect English Lesson

What will I learn from the English lesson Learning Present perfect?

During this English lesson you will learn what present perfect tense is and how to use it.

What is present perfect tense?

The present perfect tense is used when describing an action that has started in the past and continues up to the present, this is especially true when using state verbs such as such as have, like, know, be, etc.

Example of present perfect tense

Mr and Mrs Bean have been friends with Mrs Jones over ten years and they are still very good friends with Mrs Jones.

Why is this sentence present perfect tense?

Mr and Mrs Bean have been friends with Mrs Jones over ten years and they are still very good friends with Mrs Jones. (They started being friends in the past and are still friends now)

Action = friends over ten years and are still friends . . . action continues up to present

What else can present perfect tense be used for?

You can use present perfect tense for an action that was recently finished and the result is still visible on the present.

Example of present perfect tense using an action

Mrs Jones has picked a lot of oranges.

 Why is this sentence present perfect tense?

Mrs Jones has picked a lot of oranges her basket is full.

The oranges are in a basket so the action has finished, but the result is still visible.

Action picking oranges= finished . . . result = basket is full of oranges

Using present perfect tense using an action with an unstated time

The present perfect tense can also be used for any action that has happened at an unstated time in the past. The exact time is not important, so it is not mentioned. The emphasis is placed on the action that as happened.

Paul has broken his leg.

Why is this sentence present perfect tense?

The exact time has not mentioned. But what is important is that his leg is broken.

b) Paul has been to Thailand four times.

The exact time of the visits was not mentioned. But what is important is the fact that he has visited Thailand four times.

Using present perfect tense using an action with a specific time period

Present perfect tense can also be used for an action which has happened within a specific time, which is not over at the moment of speaking, such as today, this morning Afternoon weekly monthly year, etc.

Paul has received six emails this afternoon.

Why is this sentence present perfect tense?

The action has been repeated six times up to now and importantly might happen again as the time period, this afternoon - is not over yet.)

This in not present perfect tense

Paul received two emails this afternoon.  

The time period, this afternoon is over, it is now evening

By removing has makes the sentence not perfect present tense