Net Languages

We use the present perfect to describe recent events, or events in an unfinished period of time.

In the past two weeks, their car has broken down, their dog has run away, their frozen food has melted, Graham has lost his job and his mosquito bites have become infected.
I've been very busy lately.

We don't use the present perfect to describe a defined (finished) time in the past. To describe a defined time in the past, we use the past simple.

The form of the present perfect simple is have/has + past participle.

For more information about the present perfect see the Grammar Reference.

1. Describing recent events.

Write the past participle of the verb in brackets to complete the sentences.

2. Questions.

Put the words in the correct order to make questions.

3. Questions and answers.

Choose the correct answer for each question.

4. Time expressions.

Put these words and expressions into two groups. This exercise is in two parts. Scroll down to see the second part.

Part 1

Part 2

What is the difference between the two groups?

Group A expressions refer to RECENT time.
Group B expressions refer to DISTANT time.

5. Unfinished time.

With expressions of unfinished time, you typically use the present perfect.

I've had a lot of work lately.
She's been very busy this week.

But if the time is finished, use the past simple.

I had a lot of work yesterday.
She was very busy last week.

Complete these sentences.