The present perfect tense is one of the most confusing tenses in English.
In this article, we’ll explain what it is, how it works, and what you need to know about it.
What Is Present Perfect Tense?
The present perfect tense is a verb tense used to talk about an action that began in the past and continues into the present or has just happened.
Present Perfect Tense Formula
The present perfect tense is formed using the auxiliary verb “have” or “has” plus the past participle of a verb.
Form: Subject + have/has + past participle of the verb
For example,
- We have finished.
- She has been to Japan twice.
- They have lived here for four years.
| Positive | I have read the book. |
| Negative | I haven’t read the book. |
| Question | Have you read the book? |
| Answers | Yes, I have read it. No, I haven’t read it. |
Also read:
When to Use Present Perfect Tense
| When to Use Present Perfect Tense | Examples Of Present Perfect Tense |
|---|---|
| An action that began in the past and continues into the present | I have lived in New York City since 2013. (The speaker moved there in 2013 but still lives there now.) |
| An action that has just happened | I have just found your wallet. (This action happened in the very recent past.) |
| A life experience | I have traveled to Italy twice. |
| A change over time | My English skills have improved since I studied English online. |
| An accomplishment | I have passed all my exams so far this semester. |
| An unfinished action | Mary has not arrived yet. |
Read more: How To Use Since And For
Present Perfect Tense Sentences
10 Sentences Of Present Perfect Tense
1. I’ve been to Italy twice.
2. She has worked in this company for more than three years.
3. They haven’t seen each other in years.
4. We haven’t spoken to them since they moved away from town.
5. My parents have lived in this house for more than thirty years.
6. I have lived in London for five years.
7. I have had my breakfast.
8. The police have searched the whole area but haven’t found any clues yet.
9. He has lost his wallet somewhere.
10. I have cleaned my room.
20 Sentences Of Present Perfect Tense
1. He has broken his leg.
2. I have already finished my homework.
3. My parents have just arrived at my house.
4. She has never worked in a hotel before.
5. She has studied hard for the IELTS exam.
6. I have read the book.
7. Have you ever smoked?
8. I have called the police already.
9. I haven’t seen a movie in months!
10. My cat has just had kittens!
11. I’ve eaten sushi before.
12. We have seen a movie together.
13. They have traveled all over the world.
14. You have slept in my bed.
15. She has seen him around town today.
16. I have never seen that girl before in my life.
17. I have already eaten breakfast.
18. They have just moved into their new home.
19. I have been to China.
20. We have just arrived at the airport.
Present Perfect Tense Exercises
Now you know how to use the present perfect tense. It’s time to practice.
Download the present perfect tense worksheet with answers.
Fill in the blanks with the correct present perfect tense form of each verb given in brackets.
1. I _________ (not/finish) my homework yet.
2. He _________ (read) this book twice.
3. They _________ (live) in this house for three years.
4. We _________ (have) our lunch already at home today!
5. We _________ (not/find) the right house yet, but we’re still looking.
6. She _________ (see) that movie many times.
7. We _________ (be) good friends since high school.
8. I _________ (play) the piano for 20 years.
9. _________ you ever _________ (be) to China?
10. The cat _________ (live) on this street for six years!
Answers: 1. haven’t finished 2. has read 3. have lived 4. have had 5. haven’t found 6. has seen 7. have been 8. have played 9. Have, been 10. has lived
Download the present perfect tense worksheet with answers.
Final Words On Present Perfect Tense
You are now armed with all the necessary information to use the present perfect tense in a sentence. Give it a try in your daily conversations and writing.
You will be amazed at how much easier this tense becomes once you practice using it.
Read more:
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