Present Perfect Tense

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Present Perfect Tense can be used in three situations: 1. To indicate something that has happened at an indefinite time in the past. I have seen that movie already. She has left for California. They have not eaten their dinner yet. 2. To indicate something which started in the past and continues until now. I have lived in New York for nine years. We have been here since Friday. He has played football since he was a child. 3. To indicate something which occurred recently. I have been sick lately. She hasn't slept much recently. Notes: When speaking about a specific time, use past tense. A: I have seen that movie already. B: Oh really? When did you see it? A: I saw it last week with Bob. (Non-specific time) (Specific time) Some words should not be used in situation 2 (above) I have met John for five years. I have known John for five years. I met John five years ago. I have met John already. (INCORRECT) (CORRECT) (CORRECT) (CORRECT) Sometimes, but not always, present perfect continuous can be used instead of present perfect. I have lived there for ten years. I have been living there for ten years. I have exercised a lot recently. I have been exercising a lot recently. I have seen that movie ten times. I have been seeing that movie ten times. (Okay) (Okay) (Okay) (Okay) (Okay) (NOT Okay) For Practice: See "For" or "Since" (from The Internet TESL Journal) See also: Present Perfect (from Englishpage.com) If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us. Be sure to include the title of this page in the Subject line of your e-mail.