There are 26 tenses in the English grammatical system. This is often the reason why difficulties arise in the process of studying it. After all, it is quite difficult for a Russian person, whose native language has only 3 tenses, to grasp the difference in the use of these categories.
The greatest difficulty for students learning English is the Present Perfect - the present perfect tense.
This difficult English. Present Perfect
The present perfect tense denotes an action that was performed in the past, but its result is associated with the present:
I have done my homework. I can go for a walk. - I did my homework. I can go for a walk (my homework is completed, and as a result, I have the opportunity to go for a walk).
I have lost my key. I can't enter my flat. - I lost my keys. I can't enter the house.
Method of formation Present Perfect
My mum has just made a cake. - My mother has just made a pie.
Ann has already washed up. - When I arrived, Anya had already washed all the dishes.
We have had dinner today. - We already had lunch today.
In colloquial speech, instead of the full form, you can use the abbreviations ‘ve, ‘s:
I’ve arrived in Moscow today. - Today I arrived in Moscow.
He's lost his key. - He lost his keys.
To form negative forms, the particle not is added to the auxiliary verb:
He hasn’t prepared for English exam. - He did not prepare for the English language exam.
They haven't come home yet. - They haven't come home yet.
Interrogative form of the present perfect tense
To construct a general type of question in the Present Perfect tense category, the auxiliary verbs has/have are placed at the beginning of the sentence:
Have you ever been in Greece? -Have you ever been to Greece?
Has she graduated from the University this year? - She graduated from university this year?
To create a special question type, use the following word order:
1) question word;
3) subject;
4) adverb of time (if any), predicate, etc.
What has she just cooked? -What did she just cook?
Where have you walked this evening? -Where did you go this evening?
Correct or not?
As mentioned earlier, this tense category is created using a special form of the semantic verb. In English, there are regular verbs, which form the simple past and present perfect tense by adding the ending -ed, and irregular verbs. The Present Perfect is the tense in which their use is necessary.
But, unfortunately, this part of speech causes numerous difficulties for students. form temporary forms according to a special algorithm that defies any rules. In fact, they cannot be called exceptions, since there are more than a hundred of them in the English language.
An example of an irregular verb: go-went-gone (to go). The first word is an infinitive verb, the second is used to express the past tense (also called participle 2), and the third is used to express action in the present perfect tense. There is no specific way of forming the first or second participle. The only way out of this situation is cramming. There is nothing wrong with this, since basically all these verbs are “by ear”, they are quickly remembered and firmly embedded in speech.
Faithful companions
The following are used as accompanying adverbs of this tense:
- Already - already:
I have already passed my exam. - I have already passed the exam.
- Just - just now:
You have just won the prize! - You just won the main prize!
- Ever - ever:
Have ever been to Milan? -Have you ever been to Milan? (this is how the verb "be" is expressed in the present perfect)
- Before - before, earlier:
I have never met him before. - I've never met him before.
- Yet - for now, yet, still:
I haven't been tired yet. - I'm not tired yet.
As can be seen from the examples, accompanying adverbs are placed after the auxiliary verb. The exception is the word “yet”.
Of course, accompanying adverbs will not be used in every specific case of the present perfect tense. But the presence of these words serves as a definite clue to recognizing a new temporary category.
Cases of use
As mentioned earlier, this tense is used to indicate the effectiveness of an action performed in the past. In addition, Present Perfect time is necessary in the following cases:
1. When talking about an action without specifying the time of its completion:
He has done all his work. - He did all his work.
2. When the action has completed, but the time period in which it was carried out has not yet ended.
Compare:
I have had breakfast this morning. - I had breakfast this morning. (The morning is not over yet).
I had breakfast this morning. - I had breakfast this morning (it’s evening now, the action is in the past).
3. The present perfect tense can be used to denote previous actions, for example:
I have taken on my coat before I went out. - I put on my coat before leaving the house.
Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous
To denote actions that began in the past and continue in the present, the Present Perfect is used. Offers:
I have lived there since 2000. - I have lived here since 2000.
She has worked here as a secretary for 5 years. - She has been working here as a secretary for 5 years.
In this case, the present perfect tense very closely overlaps with another tense category - the Present Perfect Continuous. It is also necessary to denote actions that last from some point in the past to the present. A person, using this tense in speech, wants to show the process of an action, its duration.
I have been flying in the plane for 3 hours. - I’ve been flying on a plane for 3 hours (the process itself is indicated).
What is the difference between simple and truly complete?
The main difficulty in mastering this tense is that a Russian-speaking student often cannot grasp the difference between the past tense and the present perfect. To ensure that the choice between these tenses does not become a real dilemma and an endless obstacle to acquiring language skills, it is necessary to highlight specific cases of their use.
1. Present Perfect denotes the result, while Past simple indicates the completion of an action in the past, which is in no way connected with the present.
Compare:
I visited a museum a week ago. - I went to the museum a week ago.
I have just visited this museum! The exhibition is really worth seeing. - I just visited the museum. The exhibition is truly worth seeing.
If in the first case the action ended in the past and the sentence only states the fact of visiting the museum, then in the second case a direct connection with the present is shown - there is a result, that is, the person received pleasure from contemplating the paintings. In addition, in the first example a specific indication of time is given - a week ago, which is the main sign of the simple past tense.
2. If the question begins with the word when, then in this case the simple past will be used instead of the present perfect tense.
Compare:
Have you ever seen this girl? -Have you ever seen this girl (at all)?
When did you see this girl? - When did you see this girl (a specific period of time in the past is recognized)?
Is Perfect group tense necessary in colloquial speech?
Often, while memorizing huge tables with tenses, irregular verbs and other intricacies of the English language, many do not understand the meaning of such linguistic bells and whistles when hearing the everyday, simple speech of a foreigner. Indeed, residents of some countries have simplified English beyond recognition and have forgotten many tense forms and other grammatical phenomena. Therefore, the question arises: is it worth suffering and delving into all this if it is not useful?
It's worth it because it will definitely come in handy. After all, English is not only about communicating with a foreigner on Skype in a “broken” language. This:
- foreign periodicals;
- literary masterpieces of world famous authors - Dickens, Thackeray, Hardy;
- the opportunity to work in serious foreign companies, enter prestigious universities, engage in tutoring, etc.
Thus, studying the grammatical features of the English language is simply necessary. After all, lexical units, like beads, are strung on the connecting threads of grammar.
Present Perfect is a complex phenomenon, but easy to understand for an assiduous student. In order for it to be firmly assimilated in the mind, it is necessary to perform appropriate exercises to develop grammatical skills, read as much classical literature in a foreign language as possible - after all, where else can one find an abundance of language forms? Actively use new grammatical material in your speech, if possible.
I was constantly confused about English tenses, and it was very difficult for me to understand in what cases to use this unfortunate Present Perfect. Today I will try to explain as clearly and simply as possible in what cases it is necessary to use the Present Perfect, and not some other English tenses.
Uncertain time in the past
We use the Present Perfect to say that an event happened at an unspecified point in the past. That is, we do not say when exactly this happened. We only say that it happened in the past. It is not necessary to name a specific time. You cannot use the Present Perfect with expressions such as yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that moment, that day, one day, and so on. And with expressions that do not name a specific moment in time, the Present Perfect should be used. These are expressions ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, and so on.
Let's look at a few examples:
I have seen that movie twenty times.(I've seen this movie 20 times).
I think I have met him once before.(I think I met him once).
There have been many earthquakes in California.(There have been many earthquakes in California).
People have traveled to the Moon.(People have flown to the moon).
People have not traveled to Mars.(People didn't go to Mars).
Have you read the book yet?(Haven't you read this book yet?)
Nobody has ever climbed that mountain.(No one has ever climbed that mountain.)
A: Has there ever been a war in Russia?(Has Russia ever had a war?)
B: Yes, there has been a war in Russia.(Yes, there was a war in Russia).
Note that none of the examples specified a specific point in time.
Still, such a formulation as “uncertain point in time” may not be clear to you. Let's then divide the use of the Present Perfect by topic.
1. Mentioning someone's experience
You can use the present perfect tense when talking about your experience. This is the same as the phrase " I have the experience of…“Accordingly, if you have not had a similar experience to this day, you can say so using the same tense. However, you cannot mention a specific event using the Present Perfect.
I have been to France.(This means that you have had experience in France. You may have been there once, or perhaps several times).
I have been to France three times.(You can put “times” at the end of the sentence as many times as you like).
I have never been to France.(This states that you have no experience of traveling to France.)
I think I have seen that movie before. I've seen this movie before (You've already had this experience).
He has never traveled by train. He has never traveled by train (no such experience)
Joan has studied two foreign languages. Joan learned two foreign languages. (She knows them now).
A: Have did you ever meet him?(Have you met him?)
B: No, I have not met him.(No, I haven’t.)
2. Changes that have occurred over a certain period of time
You have grown since the last time I saw you.(You have grown since the last time I saw you.)
The government has become more interested in arts education.(The state has become more interested in arts education.)
Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the Asian studies program was established.(Japanese has become a popular language in universities since the advent of Asian studies programs.)
My English has really improved since I moved to Australia.(I have improved my English noticeably since moving to Australia.)
3. Achievements
The Present Perfect is used when we mention the achievements of a person or humanity. But we don’t name a specific moment.
Man has walked on the Moon.(Man landed on the moon.)
Our son has learned how to read.(Our son learned to read.)
Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.(Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.)
Scientists have split the atom.(Scientists split the atom.)
4. An event that we are waiting for has not yet occurred
By using the present incomplete tense we mean that we are waiting for some event to happen.
James has not finished his homework yet.(James didn't finish his homework.)
Susan hasn't mastered Japanese, but she can communicate.(Susan has not yet become an expert in Japanese, but she can communicate.)
Bill has still not arrived. (Bill hasn't arrived yet.)
The train hasn't stopped.(The train did not stop.)
5. Multiple actions at different times
We use the Present Perfect to talk about events that happened several times at different times in the past. The use of this particular time indicates that the process has not yet ended and may happen again.
For example:
The army has attacked that city five times.(The army attacked the city several times.)
I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this semester.(I had four quizzes and five tests this semester.)
We have had many major problems while working on this project.(We had a lot of big problems while working on the project.)
She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but nobody knows why she is sick.(She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but no one knows what is wrong with her.)
Expressing time with the Present Perfect
Let me remind you once again that the use of the Present Perfect characterizes some time in the past. It is not so important to name any exact moment in time. Sometimes we want to limit the period of time in the past when talking about our own or other people's experiences.
For example:
Have were you to Mexico in the last year? Have you been to Mexico at least once in the past year?
I have seen that movie six times in the last year. I've watched this movie 6 times over the past year.
They have had three tests in the last week. They had 3 tests last week.
She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked for three different companies so far. She graduated from university less than three years ago. During this time she worked for three different companies.
My car has broken down three times this week. This week my car broke down 3 times.
IMPORTANT NOTICE. "Last year" And "in the last year" have different meanings. "Last year" means "last year", which is a specific point in time, so the Past Simple is used. “in the last year” is 365 days ago, that is, on any of these days. This does not imply a specific point in time, which is why the Present Perfect is used.
I went to Mexico last year. I went to Mexico last year (a year ago).
I have been to Mexico in the last year. I have been to Mexico on at least one of the 365 days between now and last.
Duration from past to present
Relevant for verbs that do not form an ing form (non-continuous verbs), as well as for mixed verbs. In this case, we use the Present Perfect to denote events that began in the past and are still ongoing. “For five minutes,” “for two weeks,” and “since Tuesday” are all expressions that can be used with the present perfect tense.
I have had a cold for two weeks. I've been sick with a cold for two weeks. Got sick in the past, but still continues to get sick.
She has been in England for six months. She has been in England for 6 months. She arrived last year and hasn't left yet.
Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl. Mary has loved chocolate since childhood.
Sometimes verbs that form ing forms can be used with the Present Perfect: For example, the verbs “live,” “work,” “teach,” and “study.”
One of the most common difficulties in the English language for Russian speakers is the difference between Present Perfect and. Is it really that important? Is there a difference between the following sentences?
- Ivan Taraskin was born in 1970.
- Ivan Taraskin went to school in 1976.
- Ivan Taraskin was in London 3 times.
Born, went, was- all three verbs are in the past tense. Therefore, I will use the Past Simple for all 3 sentences and at first I will be indignant when they tell me that in English they will sound like this.
- Ivan Taraskin was born in 1970. (Past Simple)
- Ivan Taraskin went to school in 1976. (Past Simple)
- Ivan Taraskin has been to London 3 times.
Imagine if you said:
- Ivan Taraskin went to London 3 times
This mistake would cost him his life! Why? Yes, because in English the past tense is used when an action cannot be repeated in the specified period of time. And in our case, it cannot happen again only if the person is no longer in the world.
- Ivan Taraskin has been to London 3 times (by now he has been to London 3 times and may go there again)
- Ivan Taraskin went to London 3 times (can't go there anymore)
When you want to say that you have watched (at the time of speech) 4000 films, eaten 50 kg of chocolate or met 100 people, you need to use the Present Perfect, that is, have/has(for he/she/it)+ 3rd form of the verb.
The present completed tense is a stumbling block for many English language learners. Firstly, because it is not as transparent and understandable as or . Indeed: simple time - one-time, regular simple actions; continuous time - extended, prolonged actions. But completed time is not always a completed action. Therefore, this is a frequent case when you just need to memorize the use of time.
Secondly, the time itself is called PRESENT completed, and it denotes actions in the PAST.
And thirdly, between Present perfect and there is a very fine line that must be followed.
So, let's look at each of these three contradictions separately.
1. What actions do we call complete? These are actions necessarily in the past, which were completed recently, just now, etc. That is, those actions that are relatively close to the present time. That is why it is called PRESENT completed, because it has a connection with the present and must be completed by the present moment in time.
2. As we just agreed, the present completed tense is so called because it denotes actions in the past that are in one way or another connected with the PRESENT tense:
These actions can have a tangible result or evidence in the present tense: Anna has graduated from university. (Anna graduated from the university. The result is that Anna now has a diploma, you can touch it, for example).
This action is news, new information that you tell someone: The police have caught the thief. (The police caught the thief. This is news).
- I have prepared for the seminar in biology. (I prepared for a seminar on biology. The result is that now I have some information on biology in my head, you can hear it).
- The grandfather has painted the roof. (Grandfather painted the roof. The result is that the roof is now a different color, you can see it).
- Jack has finally got his driver license! (Jack finally got his license! This is new information you tell a friend, co-worker, etc.)
3. What's the difference? between Past simple And Present perfect , if both of these tenses convey actions in the past? Schematically Past simple can be depicted like this:
Now let's see how the action is located in time space in Present perfect.
Do you see the difference? Actions in the present complete are only those that are sooooo close to the present moment in time, have a connection with it and are NOT INDICATED BY A CERTAIN TIME.
What is the structure Present perfect ? In this tense we have an auxiliary verb - have . This means that after pronouns he/ she/ it it changes to has . The main verb ends with -ed (if it is correct), or in the third form/participle form (if it is ). So it’s not in vain that our impressive list of irregular verbs is still being studied! Let's look at examples first with the regular verb:
- Grandpa painted the roof. - The grandfather has painted the roof.
- Grandpa didn't paint the roof. - The grandfather has not painted the roof. - The grandfather hasn’t painted the roof.
- Grandpa painted the roof? - Has the grandfather painted the roof? - Yes, he has. / No, he hasn’t.
And now with the wrong one:
- We bought a car (this is news). - We have bought a car.
- We didn't buy a car. - We have not bought a car. - We haven’t bought a car.
- Have you bought a car? - Have you bought a car? - Yes, we have. / No, we haven’t.
To consolidate the material, go through the exercise
(have, has) and past participle forms: I have done, he has played. Past Participle (participle) of regular verbs is formed by adding the ending to the infinitive –ed: to invite- invite ed. When added to a verb –ed sometimes there are changes in its spelling: to stop – stopp ed. Past Participle of irregular verbs must be remembered: to tell – told – told. More about .
Abbreviated forms:
‘ve= have
's=has
haven't= have not
hasn't= has not
Using the Present Perfect
1. An action that has taken place to date, the result of which is obvious. The speaker’s emphasis is to draw the interlocutor’s attention to the result of the action taking place (there is always a connection between the past and the present).
Examples: I have lost my luggage. - I lost my luggage. (I now have no baggage - the speaker reports a specific result of an action have lost; This idea can also be expressed with the following sentence: My luggage is lost. – My luggage is lost.)
I have read a new book. – I read a new book. (I have already read the book)
She has bought a new car. - She bought a new car. (she has a new car now)
2. With adverbial words denoting periods of time that have not yet expired ( today - today, this week/month/year - this week, this month/year, this afternoon - this afternoon)*
Examples: I haven't read your documents today. – I didn’t read your documents today.
3. Often with adverbs of indefinite time ( ever - ever, never - never, already - already, yet - yet, often - often, so far - yet, until now, not yet - not yet, ever - ever)*
Examples: I 've never been there before. - I've never been here.
They haven't finished dinner yet. - They haven't finished lunch yet.
* Please note that the absence or presence in a sentence of the above adverbs (3) or adverbial words (2) is not a clear indicator of the use of the Present Perfect.
4. Always used with adverbs lately – (for/in) lately and just – just now.
Examples: They have just finished. - They just finished.
Have you heard from her lately? – Have you heard about her lately?
5. Actions performed during a certain period of time up to the present moment with verbs that do not have the Continuous form. Often used with prepositions for ( for an hour - for an hour, for two weeks - for two weeks, for a long time - for a long time) and since ( since twelve o’clock - from twelve o’clock, since 12 April - from April 12, since May - from May). More about .
Examples: I have known her mother for 10 years. – I’ve known her mother for 10 years.
He has been here since 3 o'clock. – He’s been here since 3 o’clock.
6. Never used to refer to past moments or periods of time ( yesterday - yesterday, last week - last week, an hour ago - an hour ago, on Sunday - on Sunday, in 2005 - in 2005), with questions starting with when – When. These marker words indicate the need to use.
Examples:When did he draw this portrait? – When did he paint this portrait?
I came here an hour ago. – I came here an hour ago.
7. In adverbial subordinate clauses, time and conditions ( after conjunctions when - when, while, after - after, as soon as - as soon as, if - if, until - not yet) instead to express an action that will end at a certain point in the future. Translated into Russian by the future tense.
Examples:After he has been repaired the washing machine, he'll be paid. – After he fixes the washing machine, he will be paid.
I'll come as soon as I have finished writing this letter. “I’ll come as soon as I finish writing this letter.”
Present Perfect (present perfect) is used to denote an action that took place in the past and has a result in the present.
Education Present Perfect Tense
The Present Perfect is formed using the auxiliary verb to have in the present tense ( have, has) and the past participle form of the semantic verb. This form of the verb is also called the “third form of the verb” and is designated conventionally as V3 (verb 3). For regular verbs this is the infinitive ending –ed, for irregular verbs it is the third column V ):
I have played.
He has played.
We have played.
Interrogative form: have (has) + subject + V3:
Have I played?
Has he played?
Have we played?
In a special question, the necessary interrogative pronoun is placed before have (has):
Where have I played?
Why has he played?
With whom have you played?
In a question to the subject, an interrogative pronoun who is placed before the predicate instead of the subject itself (in this question the auxiliary verb has is always used):
Who has worked?
Negative form: have (has) + not + V3:
I have not played.
He has not played.
We have not played.
Interrogative negative form: have (has) + subject + not + V3 or haven"t (hasn"t) + subject + V3:
Have I not played?
Has he not played?
Have we not played?
Abbreviations used in colloquial speech:
have not = haven"t = "ve not
has not = hasn't = "s not
have = "ve
has = "s
I haven't played. = I"ve not played.
I've played.
Haven"t I played ?
| Affirmative form | Negative form |
|---|---|
| I have play ed He (she, it) has play ed We have play ed You have play ed They have play ed | I have not play ed He (she, it) has not play ed We have not play ed You have not play ed They have not play ed |
| Interrogative form | Interrogative-negative form |
| Have I played? Has he (she, it) play ed ? Have we play ed ? Have you play ed ? Have them play ed ? | Have I not play ed ? Has he (she, it) not play ed ? Have we not play ed ? Have you not play ed ? Have they not play ed ? |
Using Present Perfect Tense
Present Perfect is used:
1. To express an action that took place in the past, but has a result in the present. The presence of such a result connects the past action with the present:
I have lost my keys. I lost my keys.
(lost in the past, but there is a result - now I don’t have them, I can’t open the door)
Has the rain stopped? Has the rain stopped?
(interesting in the lack of rain at the moment)
The duration of the action may not be specified (as in the previous sentences) or may be expressed by adverbs just, ever, never, already, yet(in questions and negatives), lately recently, lately, recently recently. In this case, the sentence should not contain adverbs indicating the past tense:
I have never been in London. I've never been to London.
He hasn't come home yet. He hasn't come home from work yet.
But compare:
My mom has already cooked dinner. Mom has already prepared lunch.
My mom already cooked dinner yesterday. Mom already prepared lunch yesterday. (yesterday
indicates past tense, which is why it is used )
Note. The Past Simple Tense is just used with the adverb just now:
I broke it just now. I just broke it.
2. To express both a one-time action and an action repeated several times in the past (the sentence may contain the words often often, twice twice etc.) and in sentences answering the question how much/many how much:
I have read that book twice. I read this book twice.
I have been in London three times. I've been to London three times.
I "ve ironed 8 skirts. I ironed 8 skirts.
3. Present Perfect is used with adverbs denoting periods of time that have not yet elapsed today today, this week this week, this month this month, this year this year and so on.:
Have you listened to the radio today? Did you listen to the radio today? (not expired today)
It has not rained this week. There was no rain this week. (this week has not expired)
But if the specified period of time has already ended, then the Past Simple Tense form is used:
I have drunk coffee this morning. I drank coffee this morning.(said in the morning)
I drank coffee this morning. I drank coffee this morning.(the morning has already passed, it is said, for example, in the afternoon or evening)
4. The Present Perfect is used to express an action that began in the past and continued until the moment of speech or is still ongoing at the moment of speech. The sentence must contain the prepositions since (from some past moment to the present) or for during. At the same time, the Present Perfect can be translated either in the present tense or in the past, depending on the situation.
a) with verbs not used in the Continuous (for more details, see):
I haven't seen you for ages. I haven't seen you for ages.(I didn’t see it and just saw it at the moment of speaking)
Has not been here since two o'clock. He (has been) here since two o'clock.(started at two o'clock and is still here now)
I have known him for three years. I know him for three years.
b) with some verbs instead of the Present Perfect Continuous, if the speaker wants to focus not on the duration, but on the fact of the action.
I have lived in Moscow for five years. I have been living in Moscow for five years.(fact is important)
I have been living in Moscow for five years. I have been living in Moscow for five years.(duration, process is important)
The Present Perfect is also used with the conjunction since since. In this case, the Present Perfect is used in the main clause, and in the subordinate clause starting with since, the Past Simple is used:
I have written only one letter to my relatives since I left. I've only written one letter since I left.
I haven't letters received from him since he left. I haven't received any letters from him since he left.
Present Perfect is also used with the adverb since since:
We moved to a new flat last year, and we haven't met our friends since. We moved last year, and haven't seen our friends since then.
5. The Present Perfect is used to express a perfect future action instead of the Future Perfect in adverbial subordinate clauses of time and condition, which are introduced by conjunctions after, when, as soon as, until (till), if etc. In this case, the Present Perfect is translated into the future tense of the perfect form:
He will wait for you until you have come. He will wait for you until you come.
Usage of Present Perfect Tense
- An action, the result of which is evident in the present tense (in Russian it corresponds to the past tense).
- An action repeated several times in the past.
- With adverbial words denoting periods of time that have not yet expired.
- To express an action that began in the past and continued until the moment of speech or is still ongoing at the moment of speech: instead of the Present Perfect Continuous (in Russian it corresponds to the present and past tense).
- The future perfect action in subordinate clauses of time and condition (in Russian corresponds to the future tense).