Present perfect tense
Usage
The present perfect tense is used to describe actions or events that happened at an indefinite time in the past, meaning that the exact time of the action is not specified:
I have seen that movie before. (I don’t remember exactly when)
It can also be used to describe actions or events that started in the past and continue up to the present:
I have lived in this city for five years.
The present perfect tense can be used to describe actions or events that started in the past but are still unfinished:
I have been working on this project all week.
The present perfect tense can be used to describe actions or events that happened in the past but have a result or relevance in the present.
I have lost my phone, so I can’t call you.
Form
The present perfect tense is typically formed using the auxiliary verb have or has, followed by the past participle (-ed form) of the main verb.
I have eaten breakfast already.
She has learned 5 languages since she was 14 years old.
Signal words
Signal words such as already, yet, never, just, so far, etc. are often used with the present perfect tense to give context and indicate the time frame of the action or event being described.
Negation and question forms
To form negative sentences in the present perfect tense, the word not is placed after the auxiliary verb have or has
I have not finished my homework yet.
She has not met her father for 5 years.
It has been raining for 2 hours.
To form questions in the present perfect tense, the auxiliary verb have or has is moved before the subject:
Have you ever been to Paris?
Have you already eaten breakfast?