UPDATED: MAY 2023
A MUST LEARN GRAMMAR
This tense is not frequently used in some languages, which makes it difficult for International learners of English to understand how to use it correctly.
TIME:
- Action in the past, action now and continues.
- He has lived in Panama since 2000.
He lived in Panama in the past.
He lives in Panama now.
And he (still) continues to live in Panama.
- His situation hasn't changed.
EXAMPLES:
- I've been in Rio since last Monday.
- Roger has lived in New York City since 2001.
- The stock market has been doing well recently.
- Bill has visited Paris many times.
- Roger has been in his new job for a year.
- How long have you worked for Ford?
COMMON QUESTIONS USING PRESENT PERFECT:
- How long have you been waiting?
It's been over an hour! - How long have you been a professor at the university?
For 10 years. - How many times have you been to Las Vegas?
Eight. - Have you ever been to Paris?
Yes, twice. - Has the meeting started yet?
No, it hasn't
Matt and Kendra - Studying in the US
I'm going to the US to study Economics.
Where in the US?
I haven't decided yet. <-PRESENT PERFECT
If I were you, I would go to San Diego State University.
Thanks. I'll check it out.
Where in the US?
I haven't decided yet. <-PRESENT PERFECT
If I were you, I would go to San Diego State University.
Thanks. I'll check it out.
- PAST TENSE: I lived in Utah for four years
- PRESENT TENSE: Bob lives in Utah.
- FUTURE TENSE: Mary will live in Utah for a year. / Mary is going to live in Utah for a year.
- PRESENT PERFECT: Bob has lived in Utah for four years.
- PAST PERFECT: I had lived in Utah for 4 years when I decided to move to California.