Present Perfect Simple (have done)

LEVEL B1 – Confident English for the Workplace

TL;DR - Key Takeaways Quick overview before you read
  • The Present Perfect Simple uses "have/has + past participle" to connect past actions with the present moment
  • Use it for life experiences without specific times, unfinished time periods (this week/year), and recent actions with present results
  • Common time markers include "just" (very recently), "already" (sooner than expected), and "yet" (in questions/negatives)
  • Use "for" with duration (for ten years) and "since" with starting points (since 2015) for ongoing actions
  • Present Perfect shows connection to now without specific time, while Simple Past describes finished actions at specific past times
Present Perfect Simple - Grammar Lesson & Quiz

Present Perfect Simple

Master the use of "have/has done" with clear explanations and practice

What is the Present Perfect Simple?

The Present Perfect Simple is used to connect the past with the present. It describes actions or situations that started in the past and have a connection to now.

Formula: Subject + have/has + past participle
✓ I have finished my homework.
✓ She has lived here for five years.
✓ They have visited Paris before.

How to Form the Present Perfect

Positive Statements

Subject + have/has + past participle

I/You/We/They have worked
He/She/It has worked

Negative Statements

Subject + haven't/hasn't + past participle

I haven't seen that movie.
She hasn't finished yet.

Questions

Have/Has + subject + past participle?

Have you eaten lunch?
Has he called you?

When to Use the Present Perfect

1. Unfinished time periods

For actions that happened during a period that isn't finished (today, this week, this year).

I have read three books this month.

2. Life experiences (without specific time)

For experiences in your life, without mentioning when exactly.

She has traveled to Japan. (sometime in her life)

3. Recent actions with present results

For recent actions that have a visible result now.

He has broken his leg. (and it's still broken)

4. Actions continuing until now

With "for" (duration) and "since" (starting point) for actions continuing to the present.

We have lived here for ten years.
I have known her since 2015.

5. With "just," "already," "yet"

These time markers commonly appear with the present perfect.

I've just arrived. (very recently)
She's already left. (sooner than expected)
Have you finished yet? (in questions/negatives)

Present Perfect vs Simple Past

Present Perfect: Connection to now, no specific time mentioned

I have lost my keys. (I don't have them now)

Simple Past: Finished action at a specific time in the past

I lost my keys yesterday. (specific time)

Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct answer for each question. Check your answers as you go!

1. I _____ to Paris three times.
2. She _____ her homework yet.
3. _____ you ever _____ sushi?
4. We _____ in this house for ten years.
5. I _____ my keys yesterday. (specific time in the past)
6. He _____ just _____ home.
7. They _____ to New York in 2019. (specific year)
8. _____ she _____ her project already?

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