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present perfect : basic information47 present perfect: basic informationThis entry deals with the simple present perfect. For the present perfect progressive, 50–51.1formshave/has + past participleI have broken my glasses.Have you finished?She hasn't phoned.In older English, some present perfect forms were made with be, not have (e.g. Winter is come). This does not normally happen in modern English (for exceptions, 466, 66).For details of question structures, 216.For negatives, 217–221.For passive forms (e.g. The work has been done), 57.2other languagesIn some other languages there are verb forms which are constructed like the English present perfect (compare English I have worked, French j'ai travaillé, German ich habe gearbeitet, Italian ho lavorato, Spanish he trabajado). Note that the English present perfect is used rather differently from most of these.3finished events connected with the presentWe use the present perfect especially to say that a finished action or event is connected with the present in some way. If we say that something has happened, we are thinking about the past and the present at the same time, for example if we are giving news.I can't go skiing because I have broken my leg. A present-perfect sentence often corresponds to a present-tense sentence expressing the same facts.I've broken my leg. → My leg is broken now.Some fool has let the cat in. → The cat is in.Utopia has invaded Fantasia. → Utopia is at war with Fantasia.Emily has had a baby. → Emily now has a baby.Our dog has died. → Our dog is dead.Have you read the Bible? → Do you know the Bible?All the wars in history have taught us nothing. → We know nothing.The present perfect is often used to express the idea of completion or achievement.At last! I've finished!Have you done all the housework?We do not use the present perfect if we are not thinking about the present (48.1). Compare:I've travelled in Africa a lot. (= I know Africa.)Some people think that Shakespeare travelled a lot in Germany. (not Some people think that Shakespeare has travelled …) 
4time words: ever, before, recently, etcWhen we talk about finished events with words that mean 'at some/any time up to now' (like ever, before, never, yet, recently, lately, already), we normally use the present perfect in British English. (For a note on American usage, 49.7.)Have you ever seen a ghost?I'm sure we've met before.She's never said 'sorry' in her life.Has Dan phoned yet?We haven't seen Beth recently.'Could you clean the car?''I've already done it.'5repetition up to now: I've written six emails …We can use the present perfect to say that something has happened several times up to the present.I've written six emails since lunchtime.Adverbs of frequency like often, sometimes, occasionally are common with the present perfect.How often have you been in love in your life?I've sometimes thought of moving to Australia.6continuation up to now: I've known her for yearsTo talk about actions and situations that have continued up to the present, both the simple present perfect and the present perfect progressive are possible (depending on the kind of verb and the exact meaning. For details, 51.I've known her for years. (not I know her for years. 52.1)I've been thinking about you all day.For present perfect tenses in clauses referring to the future (e.g. I'll take a rest when I've finished cleaning the kitchen), 231.3.Previous Next - strong obligation must will
- subjects objects
- subjects objects and complements
- subjunctive that she go that they be if i were etc
- subordinate clauses some general points
- such
- such
- such and so
- suffixes
- suggest
- suit
- suit and fit
- superlative adjectives
- superlative adverbs
- superlatives
- suppose supposing
- suppose supposing and what if
- surely
- swear words
- sympathetic
- take
- take and bring
- take time
- talk
- talk and speak