PRESENT PERFECT PAST SIMPLE

 describes an event that started at an unspecified

 describes an event that
/ uncertain time in the past:
happened and finished at
Have you read anything about foreign business issues?
a specific / certain time in
(no specific time)
the past / completed
Sociologists have studied the definition of success for actions that DO NOT
years.
HAVE AN EFFECT IN THE
Researchers have discovered remains of ancient PRESENT DAY:
civilizations under the sea.

Bill Gates has inspired people all over the world. Bill Gates established the
Microsoft company in 1975.

 This event that started to happen in the past

might have already finished: (+) A: Have you watched any films
by the famous director Quentin
She has already received two literature prizes. Tarantino (before)?

 This event that started to happen in the past B: No, I have never watched his
might have just or recently finished: (+)
films. (-)
I have just called her to ask about the meeting time. Yes, I have. I watched “The
Shining” last Sunday. (+)
They have recently moved to a new house in the
countryside.

 This event that started to happen in the past

might have not finished yet: (-)

He hasn’t changed his job yet. However, he is going

to find another job very soon because he is not
happy with his current work.

 This event that started to happen in the past

might have effects that still continue today and
 most probably into the future too:

They have lived in this city all their life.

She has been at the gym centre all day.
So far, we have finished five environmental
projects.
He has scored three goals in this match up to now.
Digital technology has made a great progress in the
last ten years.
He got married in 2009 and he has had a happy
marriage ever since.

(-)
We haven’t met any foreigners in our lives before.
She hasn’t attended a night out party in the last
three months.
He hasn’t lost any games up to now.
I still haven’t left work; I need to work for another
one hour before I go home.

HOW LONG?

A: How long have you had your car?

B: I have had it since last year.
yesterday.
2017.
Saturday.
August.
22nd May, 2008.
my graduation at the university.
I moved to this city.

A: How long has she known Alex?

B: She has known him for two years (= since 2018).
a long time.
several months.

(-)
I haven’t seen him for / in* more than five years.
She hasn’t practised her piano since she started her
new career.

EVER-NEVER

A: Have you ever ridden a motorbike (before)?

B: Yes, I have. (I rode a motorbike last summer.)
No, I haven’t. (I have never ridden a
motorbike before.)

(+) S + have / has + V3 + O.

I have done my homework.

(-) S + haven’t / hasn’t + V3 + O.

She hasn’t washed the car.

(?) Have / Has + S + V3 + O?

Has he eaten lunch?
Yes, S + have / has.
Yes, he has.
No, S + haven’t / hasn’t.
Yes, he hasn’t.