Master Grammar Logo

Master English Grammar

Present Perfect: have/has + past participle

Learn how to use the present perfect tense with have/has + past participle to describe actions with a connection to the present.

What Is the Present Perfect Tense?

The present perfect tense is used to talk about actions that happened at an unspecified time before now or actions that started in the past and continue in the present.

Why Is This Important?

Using the present perfect correctly helps you describe life experiences, changes over time, and recent actions more accurately.

Key Points

  • Use have/has + past participle for completed actions with present relevance
    • I have visited Japan.
    • She has finished her homework.
  • Use the present perfect for life experiences
    • They have traveled to many countries.
    • He has never eaten sushi.
  • Use the present perfect for actions continuing into the present
    • We have lived here for five years.
    • She has worked at the company since 2010.

Rules for Using the Present Perfect Tense

  • Use have/has + past participle to talk about completed actions with a connection to the present

    • I have lost my keys (I still don’t have them).
    • She has written three books (and they are still available).

  • Use the present perfect to describe past experiences without a specific time

    • They have visited Spain twice.
    • I have never seen that movie.

  • Use the present perfect for actions that started in the past and continue into the present

    • He has worked at this company for ten years.
    • We have known each other since childhood.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some time expressions, such as yesterday or last year, cannot be used with the present perfect.

  • Avoid using the present perfect with specific past time references like yesterday, last week, or in 2010.

    • Incorrect: I have seen him yesterday.
    • Correct: I saw him yesterday.

  • Use the present perfect for actions that have an impact on the present, even if the time is not mentioned.

    • I have broken my phone (so I can’t use it now).
    • She has made dinner (it is ready now).
ExampleTenseUse
I have visited Japan.Present PerfectLife experience
She has finished her homework.Present PerfectCompleted action with present relevance
They have lived here for five years.Present PerfectAction continuing into the present
He has never eaten sushi.Present PerfectLife experience (negative)

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.