Present Perfect Verb Tense - English Grammar Lesson

Summary

In this engaging lesson from Oxford Online English, Maria introduces the present perfect tense in English, highlighting its formation with 'have/has' plus the past participle. The lesson explores its various uses, including discussing life experiences, unfinished time periods, and actions with present consequences. Key distinctions between present perfect and past simple are clarified, emphasizing common pitfalls. Interactive exercises encourage learners to apply their understanding, making the content accessible and practical for English learners seeking to master this essential verb tense.

Takeaways

• 😀 The present perfect tense connects past actions to the present.
• 😀 It is formed using 'have' or 'has' plus the past participle.
• 😀 Common contractions for the present perfect include 'I’ve' for 'I have' and 'He’s' for 'He has.'
• 😀 The present perfect is used to discuss life experiences without specifying when they happened.
• 😀 Questions like 'Have you ever...?' are commonly used with the present perfect to inquire about experiences.
• 😀 It can describe actions in unfinished time periods, such as today or this week.
• 😀 The present perfect tense is also used to indicate ongoing situations that began in the past.
• 😀 It's important to avoid using the present perfect for finished time periods (e.g., yesterday or last year).
• 😀 When comparing the present perfect to the past simple, the former suggests relevance to the present, while the latter indicates a completed action.
• 😀 Engaging in practice activities helps reinforce understanding of the present perfect tense.

Q & A

What is the present perfect tense?

The present perfect tense connects the past and the present, formed with 'have' or 'has' plus a past participle.

How do you form the present perfect tense?

The present perfect is formed using 'have' or 'has' followed by a past participle. For example, 'I have finished' or 'She has left.'

What is a common mistake English learners make with the present perfect?

A common mistake is saying something like 'I’ve bought this jacket for three years.' It should be 'I’ve had this jacket for three years,' because the action of buying is finished.

Can the present perfect be used to talk about life experiences?

Yes, the present perfect is commonly used to discuss life experiences, often in questions like 'Have you ever…?'

What distinguishes the use of the present perfect from the past simple?

The present perfect is used for actions that have relevance to the present or are ongoing, while the past simple is used for completed actions in a finished time frame.

How can you make a negative sentence in the present perfect?

To make a negative sentence in the present perfect, add 'not' after 'have' or 'has.' For example, 'I have not seen that movie.'

What are some examples of unfinished time periods?

Unfinished time periods include 'today,' 'this week,' 'this month,' and 'this year.'

How does the present perfect tense indicate ongoing situations?

The present perfect tense indicates ongoing situations by connecting actions that started in the past and continue to the present, such as 'I’ve lived here for five years.'

What are some common questions using the present perfect tense?

Common questions include 'Have you ever been to Argentina?' or 'How many times have you seen this film?'

Can you give an example of how to use the present perfect in a conversation?

Sure! For example, one might say, 'I’ve eaten too many cakes,' leading to the follow-up question, 'How many did you have?'