The document discusses the present perfect simple tense in English. It provides examples of its use to express past experiences, recent past actions, unfinished states, and actions that began in the past and continue in the present. Key points include using the present perfect with words like "yet", "already", and "for" and "since" to indicate a period of time. The difference between using the past simple and present perfect is explained, with the past simple used for finished actions and the present perfect connecting the past to the present. Practice questions are provided to illustrate using each tense appropriately.

1. Present Perfect Simple
Present Perfect Simple I have opened the window.
vs. You have closed your book.
Past Simple We have checked a test.
They have written an exercise.
English Grammar in Use. Chapters 7-8-11-12-13-14
He has done his homework.
She has broken her leg.
It has slept.
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Present Perfect Simple
Present Perfect Simple
QUESTIONS AND NEGATIVES
Have you opened the window? It is used to express:
Have they written a test? 1. Past experiences
 She has never met his girlfriend
Has he done his homework?  Have you ever been to London?
2. Recent past actions
You haven’t opened the window.  I have cut my finger!
 I’ve burnt myself
They haven’t written a test.
He hasn’t done his homework.
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2. Present Perfect Simple
It is used to express: ever, never
3. With YET and ALREADY (for emphasis)  We often use ever and never when we ask or
 I haven’t found a new job yet. talk about past experiences.
 They go before the main verb
4. Unfinished states (non action verbs)  Ever means 'at any time'. It is the opposite of
which start in the past and are still true never.
now. We generally use ever in questions.
 They have known each other for 20 years  Have you ever been to the U.S.A?
 Never means 'at no time'.
 I have never eaten sushi.
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Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Simple
just (acabar de), already (ya), yet (aún/todavía) How long…?
 JUST and ALREADY go before the main  We use HOW LONG…? + PRESENT
verb in + sentences. PERFECT to ask about an unfinished
I have just eaten. period of time (from the past until now)
 They have already bought the car.  How long have you been married?
 YET goes at the end of the phrase in –
and ? sentences
 Have they bought the car yet?
 She hasn't sold the house yet.
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3. Present Perfect Simple Past Simple vs. Present
for, since Perfect
I have studied English grammar
 The simple past  The present
for ten years.
always refers to an perfect connects
action or situation the past and the
FOR + a period of time
that is finished.
finished. present
 How long were you  How long have you
I have studied English grammar married to Jake?
since 1998. been married to
(You are not married Mary? (You are
to Jake now) married to Mary now)
SINCE + a point of time
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Past Simple vs. Present Sara lived in Chicago for 5 years.
Perfect
Meaning: by using the simple past
Compare the meaning of these two sentences: tense, we mean that Sara started living
in Chicago 5 years ago . . .
1. Sara lived in Chicago for 5 years.
AND . . . then she moved!
moved!
PAST SIMPLE
Now she lives in a different city, like
2. Sara has lived in Chicago for 5 years. Paris.
PRESENT PERFECT Remember, the simple past is used for a
situation that is over, finished, done!
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4. Sara has lived in Chicago for 5 years.
Past Simple vs. Present Perfect
Meaning: by using the present perfect
 Use the simple past  Use the present
tense, we mean that Sara began living
with time words like: perfect with time
in Chicago 5 years ago . . . words like:
• yesterday
• last Saturday, week, month, • recently/lately
AND . . . she still lives there. year, etc.
• In the last few days
• _______ ago
• since …
Remember, present perfect: • when I was… • Today, this evening, this year
connects the past with the present. • in 1990 (past date) • so far this
week, month, year, etc.
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Practice Answers!
Choose the simple past or present perfect and talk  1. When I was a child, I swam a lot.
,
about why each is necessary. 2. So far this week, we have studied a
,
1. When I was a child, I ________ (swim) a lot. lot.
2. So far this week, we ________ (study) a lot.
3. Theo has been very sick recently. .
3. Theo __________ (be) very sick recently.
4. I _________ (have) a terrible headache 4. I had a terrible headache yesterday. .
yesterday. 5. It has rained a lot lately.
.
5. It ________ (rain) a lot lately. 6. They got married ten years ago. .
6. They _______ (get) married ten years ago. 7. My family took a vacation last year..
7. My family ________ (take) a vacation last
year.
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