PRESENT PERFECT

Something happened (or never happened) before now, at an unspecified time in the
past. The exact time is not important.
uses

the repetition of an activity before now. The exact time is not important.

A situation that began in the past and continues to the present (for, since)
 Use 1
Something happened (or never happened) before now, at an unspecified time in
the past. The exact time is not important.

 I have moved into a new apartment.

 She has already seen that movie.
 He has never seen snow.
 USE 2
THE REPETITION OF AN ACTIVITY BEFORE NOW. THE EXACT
TIME IS NOT IMPORTANT.

We have had four tests so far this semester.

I have written my pen pal a letter every other day for the last two weeks.
He has flown on an airplane many times.
 Use 3
A situation that began in the past and continuous to the present
(for, since)

• I have been here since seven o’clock.

• I have known him for many years.
• He has liked cowboy movies ever since he was a
child.
USAGE/PATTERNS OF PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Subject + have/has + V3
Subject + have/has + not + V3
Have/Has + subject + V3 ?
 PRESENT PERFECT
PROGRESSIVE

the duration of an activity that began in the past and continues to the present (for,
since, all morning, all day, all week)
uses

A general activity in progress recently or lately

 Use 1
the duration of an activity that began in the past and continues to the present
(for, since, all morning, all day, all week)

 I have been sitting at my desk since seven o’clock. Right now

I am still sitting here.

 She has been studying for five straight hours.

Right now she is still studying !

 It has been raining all day.

It is still raining right now.
 USE 2
A GENERAL ACTIVITY IN PROGRESS RECENTLY OR
LATELY

 I have been thinking about changing my major.

 My back hurts, so I have been sleeping on the floor

lately. The bed is too soft.

 All of the students have been studying hard. Final

exams start next week.
Do you think the following sentences are different or
the same in meaning?

 I have lived here since 1985.

 I have been living here since 1985.

 He has worked at the store for ten years.

 He has been working at the store for ten years.