2.3.2

Uses of the Present Perfect Tense

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Using the Present Perfect Tense for Negatives

You can use the present perfect tense to talk about negative things that started in the past and are still happening now. Let's look at some different examples of the present perfect tense used in this way...

Illustrative background for The thunder <b>has not</b> stoppedIllustrative background for The thunder <b>has not</b> stopped ?? "content

The thunder has not stopped

  • The present perfect tense is used because the thunder started in the past and did not stop at any point in the past and is still happening.
Illustrative background for I <b>have not</b> seen that filmIllustrative background for I <b>have not</b> seen that film ?? "content

I have not seen that film

  • The present perfect tense is used because I did not watch that film at any point in the past and I still have not seen it now.
Illustrative background for They __have not__ paid the billIllustrative background for They __have not__ paid the bill ?? "content

They have not paid the bill

  • The present perfect tense is used because they did not pay the bill at any point in the past and still haven't!

Using the Present Perfect Tense for Questions

You can use the present perfect tense in questions. Let's look at some examples of questions containing the present perfect tense...

Illustrative background for <b>Have</b> you ever <b>met</b> him?Illustrative background for <b>Have</b> you ever <b>met</b> him? ?? "content

Have you ever met him?

  • The present perfect tense is used because the person asking the question wants to know if you have met him at any point in the past.
Illustrative background for No, I <b>have</b> not <b>met</b> himIllustrative background for No, I <b>have</b> not <b>met</b> him ?? "content

No, I have not met him

  • The present perfect tense is used because I have not met him at any point in the past.
Illustrative background for <b>Has</b> he <b>finished</b> his book?Illustrative background for <b>Has</b> he <b>finished</b> his book? ?? "content

Has he finished his book?

  • The present perfect tense is used because the person asking the question wants to know if he finished his book at any point in the past.
Illustrative background for No, he <b>has</b> not <b>finished</b>Illustrative background for No, he <b>has</b> not <b>finished</b> ?? "content

No, he has not finished

  • The present perfect tense is used because he did not finish the book at any point in the past and still has not finished it!

Jump to other topics

1Reading

2Writing

2.1Composition

2.2Conjunctions

2.3Present Perfect Tense

2.4Nouns

2.5Fronted Adverbials

2.6Direct Speech

2.7Homophones

2.8Spelling Rules

2.9Using Apostrophes

2.10Using a Dictionary

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