Learn English | A new lesson every week
Book your course now

Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous

Average: 2.2 (169 votes)

Today we take a look at the uses of Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous.
Thanks to Amy Whiting from our Cape Town English School for this lesson.
 

A - The present perfect simple is used for an action where the time is not known / is not important and experiences.
"I have been to Paris."

B - The present perfect simple is used for an action which started in the past and is still true now, the focus is on the completed action. The time is incomplete.
"He has made us lunch."

C - The present continuous is used when the action started in the past and is still true now, the focus is on the activity. It is likely that the action will still continue to happen in the future. It is used to emphasize duration.
"Paul has been waiting for you for a long time."

D - The present perfect simple is used for a past action with present results. This usually includes the words just, already and yet.
"Has is started snowing yet?"

E - For is used with a time duration.
"I worked for that company for 10 years."

F - Since is used with a time starting point.
"They have been selling wine in this shop since 1850."

G - Just comes after have/has and before the before the main verb.
"We have just seen David driving his new car."

H - Yet is used in negative and question sentences and comes at the end of the sentence.
"He hasn't arrived at the hotel yet."

I - Already is used when an action happens sooner than expected and comes after have/has and before the main verb.
"She has already finished reading the report."

Now complete the sentences below using the correct form.

  • 1) Oh no! I can't pay for the taxi; I have ___ my money at home.




  • 2) I have never ___ the Great Wall of China before.




  • 3) I have lived in Cape Town ___ two months.




  • 4) Kelly is in her bed, she has ___ for three hours.




  • 5) My teacher is going to be so angry; I haven't finished my homework ___.




  • 6) I am an English student; I have been studying English ___ 2007.




  • 7) The builders are very efficient; they have ___ finished the foundations for our house.




  • 8) I have ___ three ice-creams today.




  • 9) Katie must be around here somewhere, I have ___ seen her.