Present Perfect for Time
Learn how to use the present perfect for time in English.
Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point
Present Perfect - Recent Changes
Point 1: We often use the present perfect to discuss status of actions that need to be done.
- Have you finished the report yet?
- No, I have not finished yet. / No, not yet.
- Have you even started?
- Yes, I already started. / Yes, I have
Point 2: We use the particle yet in the questions and negative forms to show an action is time sensitive.
- Have you eaten yet?
- No, I haven't eaten yet.
- Has he left yet?
- Not yet. He will leave soon.
Point 3: We also use the word already in the question and affirmative forms to show an action is time sensitive.
- Have you already eaten?
- Yes, I've already eaten.
- Have you already started?
- Yes, we already have.
Point 4: Both the present perfect and the simple past can be used to discuss the status of recent events.
- Have you finished the report yet?
- Yes, I've finished it.
- Did you finish the report yet?
- Yes, I finished it.
Answer the following questions about the interview.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.