Present Perfect Simple: what you need to know

1. Forms

 Have/has + past participle

I have broken my glasses. She hasn’t phoned. Have you finished?
 

2. Finished events connected with the present

 We use the present perfect especially to say that a finished action or event is connected with the present in some way. If we say that something has happened, we are thinking about the past and present at the same time.


I can’t go on holiday because I have broken my leg.

(NOT: I can’t go on holiday because I broke my leg.)
The present perfect is often used to express the idea that something is finished or complete.
Finally! I’ve finished! Have you done all the housework?

 

3. Finished events: news (Neuigkeiten)

We normally use the present perfect simple to announce news of recent events (aktuelle Ereignisse).
Andy has won a big prize! Have you heard? Uncle George has crashed the car again.
After telling the news, we usually use the simple past to give more details.


Uncle George has crashed the car again. He ran into a tree in Petersgasse.

4. Repitition up to now: I’ve written six letters … (Wiederholungen)

We can use the present perfect to say that something has happened several times up to the present.
I’ve written six letters since lunchtime. How often have you been in love in your life?

5. Continuation up to now: I’ve known her for years (Fortdauer)

To talk about actions and situations that have continued up to the present, we use the present perfect simple.
I’ve known her for years. My sister has learnt French since 2009.


(Copyright by Michael Swan (Practical English Usage, 2009)