Definition & Examples

The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues until the present or has just finished. It is formed using the auxiliary verb “has/have” + the past participle of the main verb”done”.

Example sentences:

I have been living in this city for 5 years.
She has just finished reading the book.
They have been working on this project for months.

It is also used to describe a past experience or event with a connection to the present.

Example sentences:

I have visited Paris twice.
He has seen that movie three times.
We have been friends since childhood.

Here are some key words that are often associated with the present perfect tense:

already
yet
just
since
for
lately
recently
up to now
till now

Note that these words are not necessary to form the present perfect tense, but they can help you identify it in a sentence and also understand the time frame being referred to.

现在完成时-中文解析

Here are some exercises on the present perfect tense

Exercise 1:

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in present perfect tense:

I __________ (write) five letters this morning.
She __________ (live) in New York for 5 years.
We __________ (visit) the museum last week.
They __________ (study) for the exam since yesterday.
He __________ (read) two books this month.

Answers:

have written
has lived
have visited
have been studying
has read

Exercise 2:

Convert the following sentences from simple past to present perfect tense:

I went to the park yesterday.
She saw a movie last night.
They finished the project last week.
He visited his grandparents last month.
We had a picnic last Saturday.

Answers:

I have gone to the park yesterday.
She has seen a movie last night.
They have finished the project last week.
He has visited his grandparents last month.
We have had a picnic last Saturday.