Learn Present Perfect Easily in 9 Minutes

Summary

In this educational video, the host of Lingua Marina delves into the complexities of the present perfect tense, a common stumbling block for English learners. They clarify that despite its name, the present perfect is not a past tense but a present one, focusing on past actions with present consequences. The video covers the formation of the tense using 'have' or 'has' followed by the past participle of a verb, with attention to spelling changes in regular verbs. It distinguishes present perfect from past simple, emphasizing the lack of concern for exact timing in present perfect. The host also advises on formal usage in academic settings, provides examples, and offers a course for further study.

Takeaways

• 😀 The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that occurred in the past but have relevance or results in the present.
• 🕒 It's crucial not to confuse present perfect with the past tense, as present perfect emphasizes the present impact of past actions.
• 🗣️ The structure of present perfect involves using 'have' or 'has' followed by the past participle of a verb, with attention to irregular verbs' unique forms.
• ⚠️ Spelling changes in regular verbs when forming the past participle, such as 'study' becoming 'studied', are important to note.
• 📅 Time expressions like 'ever', 'never', 'since', 'already', and 'yet' are indicative of the present perfect tense.
• 🚫 Avoid using exact time references with present perfect, as it focuses on the result, not the specific time an action occurred.
• 📝 In formal writing, especially for academic tests like TOEFL or IELTS, use the full verb form without contractions (e.g., 'I have been there' instead of 'I've been there').
• ❌ The negative form of present perfect is made by adding 'not' after 'have' or 'has' (e.g., 'I have not seen this before').
• ❓ For questions in present perfect, the structure starts with 'have' or 'has' followed by the subject and then the past participle.
• 🗣️ Proper word order is essential in English, especially when speaking to native speakers, to ensure clear communication.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the present perfect tense and the past tense?

The main difference is that the present perfect tense emphasizes the connection between a past action and its present result or effect, while the past tense focuses on the action itself without necessarily linking it to the present.

Why is the present perfect tense considered a present tense rather than a past tense?

The present perfect tense is considered a present tense because it links past actions to their current consequences or states, hence the name 'present perfect', which indicates that the focus is on the present impact of past events.

How is the present perfect tense formed in English?

The present perfect tense is formed using 'have' or 'has' followed by the past participle of the verb. For regular verbs, the past participle is typically formed by adding 'ed' to the base form, while irregular verbs have unique past participle forms that must be memorized.

What is the significance of the words 'ever', 'never', 'since', 'already', and 'yet' in the context of the present perfect tense?

These words are often used to indicate that an action or state has a connection to the present, which is a key feature of the present perfect tense. They help to express whether an action has occurred at an unspecified time in the past, has not occurred, or is ongoing.

Why is it important to use the correct word order when forming questions in the present perfect tense?

Correct word order is crucial for clear communication. If the word order is incorrect, especially for non-native speakers, it may be difficult for native speakers to understand the intended meaning, as they are accustomed to the standard word order in questions.

Can you provide an example of how to use the present perfect tense to talk about life experiences?

Yes, you can say 'I have traveled to Italy' to express that you have had the experience of traveling there at some point in the past, with the implication that this experience may have an impact on your present.

What is the difference between using 'I have worked here for five years' and 'I worked here for five years'?

Using 'I have worked here for five years' with the present perfect tense suggests that you are still working there, while 'I worked here for five years' with the past simple tense implies that you no longer work there.

How should one avoid mixing up the present perfect tense with the past simple tense?

To avoid confusion, focus on whether the action has a present result or relevance. If it's just a completed action with no present connection, use the past simple tense. If the action has ongoing implications, use the present perfect tense.

Why is it advised not to use contractions when writing formal essays or taking academic tests?

Contractions are considered informal. In academic writing and testing, it's important to use formal language to maintain a professional tone and to meet the expectations of formal English.

What is the function of the present perfect tense when an unfinished time expression like 'this year' or 'today' is used?

When using unfinished time expressions with the present perfect tense, it indicates that an action has occurred at some point within a period that is still ongoing, emphasizing the relevance of the action to the present moment.