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Present perfect: basic information

This entry deals with the simple present perfect. For the present perfect progressive, (see here).

Forms​

Grammar

have/has + past participle

  • I have broken my glasses.
  • Have you finished?
  • She hasn’t phoned.

In older English, some present perfect forms were made with be, not have (e.g. Winter is come). This does not normally happen in modern English (for exceptions, (see here), (see here).

note

For details of question structures, (see here).

For negatives, (see here).

For passive forms (e.g. The work has been done), (see here).

Other languages​

In some other languages there are verb forms which are constructed like the English present perfect (compare English I have worked, French j’ai travaillé, German ich habe gearbeitet, Italian ho lavorato, Spanish he trabajado). Note that the English present perfect is used rather differently from most of these.## finished events connected with the present

We use the present perfect especially to say that a finished action or event is connected with the present in some way. If we say that something has happened, we are thinking about the past and the present at the same time, for example if we are giving news.

  • I can’t go skiing because I have broken my leg.

A present-perfect sentence often corresponds to a present-tense sentence expressing the same facts.

  • I’ve broken my leg. → My leg is broken now.
  • Some fool has let the cat in. → The cat is in.
  • Utopia has invaded Fantasia. → Utopia is at war with Fantasia.
  • Emily has had a baby. → Emily now has a baby.
  • Our dog has died. → Our dog is dead.
  • Have you read the Bible? → Do you know the Bible?
  • All the wars in history have taught us nothing. → We know nothing.

The present perfect is often used to express the idea of completion or achievement.

  • At last! I’ve finished!
  • Have you done all the housework?

We do not use the present perfect if we are not thinking about the present (see here). Compare:

  • I’ve travelled in Africa a lot. (= I know Africa.)
  • Some people think that Shakespeare travelled a lot in Germany. (not Some people think that Shakespeare has travelled …)

Time words: ever, before, recently, etc​

When we talk about finished events with words that mean ‘at some/any time up to now’ (like ever, before, never, yet, recently, lately, already), we normally use the present perfect in British English. (For a note on American usage, (see here).)

  • Have you ever seen a ghost?
  • I’m sure we’ve met before.
  • She’s never said ‘sorry’ in her life.
  • Has Dan phoned yet?
  • We haven’t seen Beth recently.
  • ‘Could you clean the car?’ ‘I’ve already done it.’

Repetition up to now: I’ve written six emails …​

We can use the present perfect to say that something has happened several times up to the present.

  • I’ve written six emails since lunchtime.

Adverbs of frequency like often, sometimes, occasionally are common with the present perfect.

  • How often have you been in love in your life?
  • I’ve sometimes thought of moving to Australia.

Continuation up to now: I’ve known her for years​

To talk about actions and situations that have continued up to the present, both the simple present perfect and the present perfect progressive are possible (depending on the kind of verb and the exact meaning. For details, (see here).

  • I’ve known her for years. (not I know her for years. (see here))
  • I’ve been thinking about you all day.
note

For present perfect tenses in clauses referring to the future (e.g. I’ll take a rest when I’ve finished cleaning the kitchen), (see here).