2. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
FORM: have / has + past participle
USES:
1. LIFE EXPERIENCES
I’ve been to China
She’s ridden a horse
3. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
2. ALREADY, JUST & YET
They’ve just left
She’s already called her friend
They haven’t finished yet
4. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
SUPERLATIVES & “THE FIRST, SECOND,
LAST TIME”, ETC
It’s the best meal I’ve ever had
It’s the first time he’s given a speech
5. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
3. CONNECTION PAST & PRESENT
I’ve sprained my ankle, as you can see
He’s lost his keys
6. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
4. HOW LONG / FOR/ SINCE (NON-
ACTION VERBS:be, have, know, like, etc)
I’ve known Maria for 10 years
They’ve had that car since 2007
7. PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
5. HOW MUCH / HOW MANY
How many books have you written?
I’ve spent too much money
8. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
FORM: HAVE / HAS + BEEN + VERB + ING
USES:
1. “HOW LONG / FOR / SINCE” WITH ACTION
VERBS (action started in past & continues now)
How long have you been feeling like this?
She’s been travelling by bus for 5 years
9. PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
2. REPEATED ACTIONS, ESPECIALLY WITH
TIME EXPRESSIONS LIKE ALL DAY, RECENTLY,
ETC
I have been arguing with my husband
lately.
The phone has been ringing all day.
10. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
3. CONTINUOUS ACTIONS THAT HAVE JUST
FINISHED (WITH RESULT IN THE PRESENT)
He’s been running all day. He’s dead!
A: Look at your hands! They’re so filthy!
B: I know. I’ve been painting the living room
11. SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?
With “How long?, For & Since” we can
use both. However, we prefer the
continuous for shorter, temporary
actions.
We’ve lived in London since 1980
We’ve been living in London since 1980
We’ve been staying in a hotel for the last
month
12. SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE:
Emphasis on the RESULT of the action
I’ve painted my living room
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS:
Emphasis on the DURATION of the
action
I’ve been painting my living room
