The Present Perfect

What are verb tenses?

Verb tenses show if an action takes place in the past, present, or future.

A. Uses of the Perfect tense.

We use the present perfect tense for two reasons.

1. The present perfect can show a finished past action.

It doesn't show when this action took place.
For example, I have been to Australia.

2. The present perfect can also show a continuing action.

It shows an action that started in the past and continues to the present. This action might
continue into the future too.
For example, I have lived in Toronto for two years.

B. The forms of the present perfect

The present perfect is formed with the auxiliary verb, have + past participle form of the
main verb. Have changes forms depending on the subject.

For example, I have finished my homework.

She has worked at this office for 12 years.
My friends have seen that movie.
 C. Irregulars and Regulars Verbs

1. With regular verbs, we use the verb + -ed to form the past participle.
For example, the past participle of the verb walk, is walked.

2. With irregular verbs, the past participle changes into a different form. We do not
use -ed.
For example, the past participle of the verb eat is eaten.