This document provides examples and explanations of how to use various perfect tenses and time expressions in English to talk about past actions and experiences. It discusses using the present perfect tense to talk about actions that began in the past and continue to the present or have present results. It also covers using "since" and "for" to indicate when something started, and the expressions "ever", "already", "just", "yet", and asking "how long" to provide additional context about the timing or duration of events.

1. To talk about a past action without saying the time:
Ex: I have visited my aunt.
To talk about something that began in the past and
continues into the future:
Ex: I have lived in London for 5 years.
When the action in the past has a result now:
Ex: She has opened the door.
A recent happening. Actions related to present:
Ex: Ouch! The dog has bitten me this morning.
Life experiences:
Ex: I have been to Paris three times.
With the expression: It’s the first time...
Ex: It’s the first time I have baked this cake.

2. SINCE
It shows when something
started.
Since 7:00, since Monday,
since 2004
I’ve worked here since
last year.
He’s lived in Madrid since
June.
They’ve been married
since 1999.
FOR + LENGTH OF
TIME
(for half an hour, for three
weeks, for years, for a long time)
I’ve worked here for one
year.
He’s lived in Madrid for 7
months.
They’ve been married for a
long time.

3. Complete the sentences. Use the present perfect of
the verbs in brackets and for or since.
1 We ……............... (be) married ……................ about fifteen
years.
2 I ……................. (not visit) my aunt ……................. last
weekend.
3 They ……................. (have) lots of arguments
……................. Saturday.
4 She ……................. (not speak) to her mum …….................
months.
5 John ……................. (know) Anne ……................. a year.
6 You ……........................... (not phone) me ……................. my
birthday.

4. EVER (?)/NEVER (+)
When you want to talk bout life experiences:
EX: Have you ever eaten Chinese food?
No, I’ve never eaten it.
Answer these questions and comment with
your partner:
Have you ever broken your leg?
Have you ever cheated on an exam?
Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
Have you ever told a lie?
Have you ever gone bungee jumping?

5. ALREADY (+)
Complete: Before coming to
school I have already....
We often use already to talk about
things that have happened before
now.
Ex: I’ve already seen that film.
JUST (+)
To talk about actions that have
happened recently.
Ex: I’ve just finished my homework
YET (?) (–)
to talk about things that have not
happened before now.
We haven’t eaten lunch yet.
Have you finished yet?
Questions with HOW LONG:
When we want to know the length of time something has taken place.
How long have you lived in Poland?

6. ALREADY (+)
Complete: Before coming to
school I have already....
We often use already to talk about
things that have happened before
now.
Ex: I’ve already seen that film.
JUST (+)
To talk about actions that have
happened recently.
Ex: I’ve just finished my homework
YET (?) (–)
to talk about things that have not
happened before now.
We haven’t eaten lunch yet.
Have you finished yet?
Questions with HOW LONG:
When we want to know the length of time something has taken place.
How long have you lived in Poland?