Present perfect
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.
- My car broke down yesterday.
NOT: My car has broken down yesterday.
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.
Match the questions from the previous exercise with the correct
answers.
4. Time expressions.
Put these words and expressions into two groups.
What is the difference between the two groups?
See answer
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.