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The Present Perfect — A Simple Guide

Grammar · 5 min · 10. Februar 2025

What is the Present Perfect?

The Present Perfect connects the past to the present. It describes experiences, results, and situations that are still relevant now.

The Formula

**have / has + past participle (3rd form)**
PersonExample I / you / we / theyI have visited London. he / she / itShe has eaten sushi.

When do we use it?

1. Life experiences (at some point in your life)

- I have been to Paris.

- He has never tried sushi.

2. Results (visible in the present)

- She has lost her keys. (She doesn't have them now.)

- I have finished my homework. (It's done now.)

3. With "just", "already", "yet"

- I have just finished.

- Have you eaten yet?

- She has already left.

Common Mistakes

I have visited London yesterday.

I visited London yesterday.Specific timeuse Simple Past!

She has went to school.

She has gone to school.Always use the 3rd form!

Signal Words

Present PerfectSimple Past ever, never, already, yet, just, since, foryesterday, last week, ago, in 2020

Practice Now!

On BesserStudy, you can practice the Present Perfect with hundreds of interactive exercises. Try the feed!