Present perfect
Definition
The present perfect connects the past with the present. It is formed with have / has + past participle and is used for experiences, recent events with a present result, and situations continuing up to now.
subject + have / has + past participle
Examples
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I have visited Kyoto twice.
The sentence describes life experience without naming a finished past time.
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Leila has lost her keys.
The past event has a present result: she does not have the keys now.
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We have lived here for six years.
The situation began in the past and continues in the present.
Present perfect vs. past simple
I saw that film last Friday.
The event belongs to a specific finished past time.
I have seen that film.
The experience matters now, and no finished past time is stated.
Use the past simple with a finished past time such as last Friday. Use the present perfect when the time is unfinished, unstated or connected to the present.
Time expressions shape the meaning
Just, already and yet often describe recent completion. For gives a duration, while since gives the starting point of a situation continuing to now.
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The train has just arrived.
Just places the completed event very close to the present.
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She has worked here since 2021.
Since 2021 gives the starting point of an unfinished situation.
Common mistakes
I have met him yesterday.
I met him yesterday.
A specific finished past time normally requires the past simple.
She has went home.
She has gone home.
The present perfect requires the past participle gone, not the past form went.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes an experience without a finished time?
The correct form is have + past participle: have ridden.Which sentence correctly uses a finished past time?
In 2022 is a finished past time, so the past simple moved is appropriate.Which sentence describes a situation continuing to the present?
Has known ... for ten years describes a state that began in the past and continues now.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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