When do we use Present Perfect in English? Find out by downloading our free printable worksheet:

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6 Reasons to Use Present Perfect in English

have (’ve) / has (’s) + past participle (3rd form)

positive:    I have (’ve) been to the bank today.

negative:    I have not (haven’t) been to the bank today.

question:    Have you been to the bank today? / Yes, I have (’ve). / No, I have not (haven’t).

1. To talk about finished actions in unfinished time:

I’ve been to the shops today.        today

He’s sent fourteen emails this morning.       this morning / this afternoon / this evening

We’ve watched a good film tonight.      tonight

I’ve started two projects this week.      this week

She’s read four books this month.      this month

They’ve had a few holidays this year.      this year

I’ve worked hard in the last few days.       in the last / past few days / weeks / months / years

He hasn’t cleaned the bathroom recently.      recently / lately

Kim has won fifteen matches up to now.      up to now / until now / till now

They’ve eaten four apples each so far.       so far

I’ve installed this app twice.       once / twice / x times (up to now)

2. To talk about life experience (your life is unfinished time):

What you have done in your life up to now:

Have you ever visited Ely?      ever

Yes, I have. I’ve visited Ely a few times.      a few times

What you haven’t done:

Lorna has never visited Ely.       never

We haven’t seen that film before.       before

My brother hasn’t done his homework yet.       yet

Mike still hasn’t paid our invoice.       still

3. To talk about very recent actions:

We’ve just met your teacher in the park.      just

4. To talk about unfinished actions (often states) in unfinished time. ‘How long…?’

I have lived in Canada for twenty years.       for + number      (and I still do)

He has worked at Burger King since Tuesday.      since + time      (and he still does)

I have known Ronald for most of my life.       for most of…      (and I still do)

She’s ridden horses all her life.       all…      (and she still does)

5. With adverbs of frequency:

We’ve always loved Mexican art.       always

I have frequently asked you to stop talking.       frequently

Bob has often wondered why he can’t whistle.       often

I’ve usually finished my homework by 6pm.       usually

Yes, I have sometimes overslept, it’s true.       sometimes

I have rarely felt so grateful to my partner.      rarely / hardly ever

Annie has never been to Bristol.       never

6. To talk about a future timetable:

As soon as (when) you’ve finished dinner, you can start your homework.      as soon as

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