ESL Library: Present Perfect

What are Verb Tenses?

• Shows if an action takes place in the past, present, or future.
• Present perfect is a type of verb tense.

Uses of Present Perfect Tense

1. Finished Past Action

   • Indicates an action that has been completed without specifying when it occurred.
   • Example: "I have been to Australia."

2. Continuing Action

   • Shows an action that started in the past and continues to the present, possibly into the future.
   • Example: "I have lived in Toronto for two years."

Formation of Present Perfect Tense

• Formed with the auxiliary verb have and the past participle of the main verb.
• The form of have changes depending on the subject:
  • Example:
    • "I have finished my homework."
    • "She has worked at this office for 12 years."
    • "My friends have seen that movie."

Regular and Irregular Verbs

• Regular Verbs: Past participle formed by adding -ed.

  • Example:
    • Walk → walked

• Irregular Verbs: Past participle changes to a different form, does not use -ed.

  • Example:
    • Eat → eaten

Examples of Irregular Verbs

Present Perfect Examples

• "He has eaten breakfast."
• "We have had a dog for eight years."
• "My best friend has moved to another city."

Practice

• Look at a picture and create a present perfect sentence.
  • Example: "I have lived in Australia all my life."

Conclusion

• Engage with the material and practice using the present perfect tense.